Single Replacement Reactions
Single replacement reactions, also known as single displacement reactions, occur when one element replaces another in a compound. This type of reaction follows the general form:
A + BC → AC + B
Where A and B are elements, and BC is a compound. During the reaction, A replaces B in the compound BC to form a new compound AC and free element B.
Key Concepts
- Reactivity Series: The reactivity series is a list of metals in order of their reactivity, from most reactive to least reactive. This series helps predict whether a single replacement reaction will occur.
- Activity Series: The activity series is a list of non-metals in order of their reactivity, from most reactive to least reactive. This series also helps predict single replacement reactions.
- Observe the Reaction: Single replacement reactions can often be identified by observing a change in color, formation of a precipitate, or evolution of a gas.
Example
Let's consider the reaction between zinc (Zn) and hydrochloric acid (HCl):
Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2
In this reaction, zinc replaces hydrogen in hydrochloric acid to form zinc chloride and hydrogen gas.
Study Guide
- What is a single replacement reaction?
- How can the reactivity series and activity series be used to predict single replacement reactions?
- What are some observable signs that a single replacement reaction has occurred?
- Provide an example of a single replacement reaction and explain the products formed.
Remember to practice writing and balancing single replacement reactions to solidify your understanding of this topic.
.◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Seventh Grade. Elements and the periodic table
Study Guide
Elements and the periodic table 
Activity Lesson
Elements & the Periodic Table Worksheet/Answer key
Elements and the periodic table Worksheet/Answer key
Elements and the periodic table Worksheet/Answer key
Elements and the periodic table Worksheet/Answer key
Elements and the periodic table Vocabulary/Answer key
Elements and the periodic table Vocabulary/Answer key
Elements and the periodic table
Activity LessonWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
Chemistry: Students will use scientific skills and processes to explain the composition, structure, and interactions of matter in order to support the predictability of structure and energy transformations.
Structure of Matter: Cite evidence to support the fact that all matter is made up of atoms, which are far too small to see directly through a microscope.
Recognize and describe that the atoms of each element are alike but different from atoms of other elements.
Recognize and describe that different arrangements of atoms into groups compose all substances.
Provide examples to illustrate that elements are substances that do not breakdown into smaller parts during normal investigations involving heating, exposure to electric current or reactions with acids.
Cite evidence to explain that all living and non-living things can be broken down to a set of known elements.