NCERT Solutions
Class 10 Science
Chemical Reactions and Equations

Q.13
What is the difference between displacement and double displacement reactions?
Write equations for these reactions.
Displacement Reaction: - In, displacement reaction more reactive metal displace less reactive metal from its compound. They are generally represented as:
A + BX à AX + B; where A is more reactive than B
A very reactive chemical species can replace an anion or a cation of a compound. This displacement occurs according to the reactivity series. It is a slow reaction and change of colour takes place.
For Example: - (a) Zn + HCl à ZnCl2 + H2
In the above equation hydrogen is being displaced from HCl by Zn.
(b) Fe(s) + CuSO4 (aq) → FeSO4 (aq) + Cu(s)
(Copper sulphate) (Iron sulphate)
In this reaction, iron has displaced or removed another element, copper, from copper sulphate solution. This reaction is known as displacement reaction.
Double Displacement reaction: - Two atoms or group of atoms interchange in order to form new compounds. There is exchange of ions.
It is generally represented as;
AB + CD à AD + CB
It is a fast process and a precipitate is formed in these types of reactions.
For Example: - (1) HCl + NaOH à NaCl + H2O
(2) Na2SO4 (aq) + BaCl2 (aq) → BaSO4(s) + 2NaCl (aq)
(Sodium sulphate) (Barium chloride) (Barium sulphate) (Sodium chloride)
The white precipitate of BaSO4 is formed by the reaction of SO42– and Ba2+. The other product formed is sodium chloride which remains in the solution.