Single Replacement Reaction Lesson

• But not all single replacement reactions occur.

• Remember, we use an Activity Series to determine of a single replacement reaction will occur.

  • One for metals (which includes hydrogen).

  • One for nonmetals (which is basically the halides on the periodic table).

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• Notice the placement of magnesium in comparison to zinc.

• Since magnesium is higher on the Activity Series than zinc, a reaction will occur.

• Magnesium replaces zinc in the compound.

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• It is important to remember when you are writing the chemical formulas for the predicted products that...

  ALL COMPOUNDS ARE NEUTRAL!

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• Notice the placement of calcium in comparison to potassium.

• Since potassium is higher on the Activity Series than calcium, a reaction will NOT occur.

• Calcium cannot replace potassium in the compound.

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• Although we have primarily been looking at metals replacing metals, single replacement reactions also occur between nonmetals.

• The nonmetal reactions you will be responsible will mostly deal with the halogens.

• Look at the periodic table and determine how to use it as an Activity Series for the nonmetals.

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