Energy changes: displacement practical
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can complete a practical to measure the temperature change in a displacement reaction, record results, analyse data, and write a conclusion.
Key learning points
- Displacement reactions involve a more reactive element replacing another in a compound.
- Exothermic reactions release energy to the surroundings, often through heating.
- The initial and final temperatures of the reaction mixture need to be recorded to calculate energy change.
- Hypotheses guide predictions about the effect of variables in experiments.
- Bar charts can visually represent collected results to help analyse data.
Keywords
Displacement - The more reactive element takes the place of a less reactive element in a compound.
Exothermic - Exothermic chemical reaction is a type of reaction in which energy is transferred from the reaction to the surroundings e.g. combustion.
Hypothesis - A prediction that is supported with an explanation.
Conclusion - Sums up what has been found out during the investigation. It always refers to both the independent and dependent variables.
Bar chart - A chart showing solid columns; to present data usually used when one variable is discrete.
Common misconception
Pupils often measure the final temperature of the reaction mixture rather than the highest temperature.
Encourage pupils to keep monitoring the temperature until it starts to decrease; that way they will know they have seen the highest temperature.
Teacher tip
Ask pupils to suggest how they would improve the investigation if they had to do it again. They may need scaffolding to help them consider aspects of the equipment and how to obtain more reliable data.
Equipment
A selection of metals as fine particles, a metal salt solution, polystyrene or insulated cups with lids, thermometers, balances and measuring cylinders.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - chemicals
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which element is more reactive, magnesium or copper?
Q2.Which type of data is best represented by a bar chart?
Q3.What is a hypothesis in an experiment?
Q4.What is an independent variable in an experiment?
Q5.What is a dependent variable in an experiment?
Q6.Why is it important to control variables in an experiment?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What occurs during a displacement reaction?
Q2.What do exothermic reactions release?
Q3.What does an exothermic reaction typically result in?
Q4.How do you calculate the energy change in a reaction?
Q5.Which substance would be displaced if zinc is added to copper sulfate solution?
Q6.What is the correct symbol equation for the displacement reaction of zinc with copper sulfate?
To help you plan your 10 chemistry lesson on: Energy changes: displacement practical, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 chemistry lesson on: Energy changes: displacement practical, 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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 chemistry lessons from the Energy changes in reactions unit, dive into the full secondary chemistry curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.