Question: What is the difference between displacement and double displacement reactions? Write equations for these reactions.
Answer:
In a displacement reaction, a more reactive element replaces a less reactive element from a compound.
A+ BX ⟶ AX + B where A is more reactive than B
In a double displacement reaction, two atoms or a group of atoms switch places to form new compounds.
AB + CD ⟶ AD + CB
For example:
Displacement reaction:
CuSO₄(aq) + Zn(s) ⟶ ZnSO₄(aq) + Cu(s)
Double displacement reaction:
Na₂SO₄(aq) + BaCl₂(aq) ⟶ BaSO₄(s) + 2NaCl(aq)
