Displacement Reactions
Topic 9.4 · Reactivity Series · Observations · Ionic Equations · Redox
📐 The Golden Rule
A more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its aqueous salt solution.
If Metal A is above Metal B on the reactivity series → A displaces B. If A is below B → No reaction.
Section A: Predicting Displacement
Will iron (Fe) displace zinc from aqueous zinc sulfate solution? Explain your answer using the reactivity series.
Will magnesium displace copper from aqueous copper(II) sulfate solution? Explain your answer.
Will copper displace silver from aqueous silver nitrate solution? Explain your answer.
Will silver (Ag) displace lead from aqueous lead(II) nitrate solution? Explain your answer.
Zinc is added to copper(II) sulfate solution. State whether a reaction occurs, identify which species is oxidised, and identify which species is reduced.
Section B: Observations
State TWO observations when magnesium ribbon is placed in copper(II) sulfate solution.
Before Reaction
Before Reaction
State TWO observations when a strip of iron is placed in copper(II) sulfate solution.
Before Reaction
Before Reaction
State TWO observations when zinc powder is added to silver nitrate solution.
Before Reaction
Before Reaction
Iron filings are added to blue copper(II) sulfate solution. Describe THREE observations after 10 minutes.
Before Reaction
Before Reaction
A strip of copper is placed into iron(II) sulfate solution. State what you would observe and explain why.
Before Reaction
Before Reaction
Section C: Ionic Equations
Write the ionic equation, including state symbols, for the reaction between zinc and copper(II) sulfate solution.
Write the ionic equation, including state symbols, for the reaction between magnesium and silver nitrate solution.
Write the ionic equation, including state symbols, for the reaction between iron and copper(II) sulfate solution.
Write the FULL balanced equation AND the ionic equation for the reaction between magnesium and lead(II) nitrate solution. Include state symbols throughout.
Copper is added to silver nitrate solution. (a) Write the ionic equation with state symbols. (b) Identify which species is oxidised and why. (c) Identify which species is reduced and why.
Section A
11
marks
Section B
11
marks
Section C
12
marks
34 Total Marks
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620 · Topic 9.4 · Syllabus 2026–2028
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