A single replacement reaction (also called a single displacement reaction) is a type of chemical reaction where one element replaces another element in a compound.
Key Points:
- A more reactive element takes the place of a less reactive element.
- The less reactive element is then set free.
- It usually happens between a solid metal and a solution, or between a halogen and a halide compound.
Simple Explanation:
- A metal can replace another metal in a compound if it is more reactive.
- Similarly, a halogen can replace another halogen from its compound based on their reactivity.
Examples in words:
- If zinc is placed in copper sulfate solution, zinc replaces copper, and copper is released.
- If chlorine gas is passed into sodium bromide solution, chlorine replaces bromine, and bromine is released.
In simple words: In a single replacement reaction, a stronger element kicks out a weaker one from a compound.