Predicting displacement reactions: Class 10 practice
A more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its salt solution. Read the method, follow the three worked examples, then try the six questions.
What you should know first
- Reactivity series
- Ionic formulae
The idea behind predicting displacement reactions
A more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its salt solution. Order (most to least): K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, Zn, Fe, Pb, (H), Cu, Hg, Ag, Au. Metals above hydrogen displace hydrogen from dilute acids.
Step-by-step method
- Find both metals in the reactivity series.
- If the free metal is higher, displacement happens.
- Write the products.
Worked example 1 (Basic)
Will Zn displace Cu from CuSO₄ solution?
- Zn is more reactive than Cu
- Answer: Yes — Zn displaces Cu
Worked example 2 (Standard)
Will Pb displace Al from Al₂(SO₄)₃ solution?
- Pb is less reactive than Al
- Answer: No reaction
Worked example 3 (Challenge)
Does Fe react with dilute hydrochloric acid to give hydrogen?
- Fe is above hydrogen in the series
- Answer: Yes, hydrogen is released
Common mistakes and misconceptions
- Expecting copper to displace iron
- Forgetting hydrogen's place for acid reactions
Practice questions
- (Basic) Will Mg displace Ag from AgNO₃ solution?
- (Basic) Will Pb displace Zn from ZnSO₄ solution?
- (Standard) Will Cu displace Fe from FeSO₄ solution?
- (Standard) Will Mg displace Cu from CuSO₄ solution?
- (Challenge) Does Mg react with dilute hydrochloric acid to give hydrogen?
- (Challenge) Does Cu react with dilute hydrochloric acid to give hydrogen?
Answer key with full working
- Q1: Mg is more reactive than Ag → Answer: Yes — Mg displaces Ag
- Q2: Pb is less reactive than Zn → Answer: No reaction
- Q3: Cu is less reactive than Fe → Answer: No reaction
- Q4: Mg is more reactive than Cu → Answer: Yes — Mg displaces Cu
- Q5: Mg is above hydrogen in the series → Answer: Yes, hydrogen is released
- Q6: Cu is below hydrogen in the series → Answer: No reaction
Syllabus note
This skill is listed under "Metals and Non-metals" for Class 10 in the NCERT/CBSE books. ICSE, IGCSE, IB and state boards may teach it in a different chapter or year.
Answers on this page are generated and automatically re-checked by a second, independent calculation. They have not been reviewed by a teacher — if you spot a problem, tell us on WhatsApp.
Related practice and notes
Frequently asked questions
Which chapter is predicting displacement reactions in?
"Metals and Non-metals", Class 10 Chemistry (NCERT/CBSE). Other boards may place it differently.
How were the answers checked?
Answers on this page are generated and automatically re-checked by a second, independent calculation. They have not been reviewed by a teacher — if you spot a problem, tell us on WhatsApp.