Chemical reactions: displacement of metals
Lesson details
Learning outcome
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.
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.
Teacher tip
Carry out the displacement reactions as a class experiment so that pupils gain first-hand experience of making careful observations and interrupting their own results.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The order of metals on the basis of how reactive they are, is called the of metals. Carbon and hydrogen are often included as reference points.
Q2.Not all metals react with an acid. For those that do, what would you observe?
Q3.Which of these statements about the metal elements above carbon in the reactivity series are correct?
Q4.Which of these statements about the metal elements above hydrogen in the reactivity series are correct?
Q5.Starting with the least reactive, put these metals in order of reactivity.
Q6.Graphite (a specific form of carbon) is a non-metal. Why is it unique?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following statements are correct representations of displacement reactions?
Q2.What might you observe if a displacement reaction is taking place?
Q3.Consider the thermite reaction: aluminium + iron oxide → iron + aluminium oxide.
What makes this reaction different from displacement reactions performed to confirm the reactivity series in a lab?
Q4.Why is carbon included in the reactivity series of metals?
Q5.Why is hydrogen included in the reactivity series of metals?
Q6.Match each term to the correct definition.
To help you plan your 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 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.
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 3 science lessons from the Materials unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.