Chemical reactions: displacement of metals
I can explain what happens when one metal displaces another metal from a salt, in solution as well as how carbon can be used to extract metals from ores.
Chemical reactions: displacement of metals
I can explain what happens when one metal displaces another metal from a salt, in solution as well as how carbon can be used to extract metals from ores.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A more reactive metal will displace another that is less reactive from its salt, in solution.
- In a displacement reaction magnesium displaces copper from copper sulfate(aq) to form magnesium sulfate (aq) and copper.
- Displacement reactions can be used to confirm the position of a metal in the reactivity series for metals.
- A metal ore is typically rock that contains a metal in a form that can be extracted.
- Carbon can be used to extract some metals from their ores when carbon is more reactive.
Keywords
Displacement reaction - A displacement reaction occurs when a more reactive element takes the place of a less reactive element in a compound.
Metal salt - A compound comprising of a metal and a non-metal.
Aqueous solution (aq) - Formed when a substance is dissolved in water.
Reactivity series - Shows metals placed in order of reactivity with the most reactive metal at the top.
Ore - A rock that contains metals or metal compounds. Metal can be extracted from its ore.
Common misconception
Understanding displacement reactions can be challenging as many pupils think the product has moved from somewhere else rather than being produced during the chemical reaction.
Focus on explaining the macroscopic observations in a displacement reaction in terms of chemical change. Then move on to apply the ideas to the reactivity of the metal.
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: Chemical reactions: displacement of metals, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: Chemical reactions: displacement of metals, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Materials unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
formed when a substance is dissolved in water
a more reactive element replaces a less reactive element in a compound
a compound comprising of a metal and a non-metal
a rock that contains metals or metal compounds which can be extracted
metals placed in order of reactivity; most reactive metal at the top