Displacement Reactions & Redox
- Using the principles of electron loss and gain it is possible to identify which species undergo oxidation and reduction in metal displacement reactions
- We have seen previously that the more reactive metals displace the less reactive metals, but how does this relate to redox?
- Remember that:
- Oxidation is the loss of electrons
- Reduction is the gain of electrons
- By identifying what has happened to the electrons in displacement reaction we can deduce the redox changes taking place
- Using the reaction between zinc and copper(II) sulfate as an example:
- Zinc displaces copper from a solution of copper(II) sulfate
- Using ionic equations, determine which species undergoes oxidation and which species undergoes reduction:
Deducing Redox Change in Displacement Reactions
Exam Tip
After writing half equations, you can see if they are correct by checking that the number of electrons on either side is the same, which should combine to give 0 charge.
