The process when a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal in a compound is called a displacement reaction. The more reactive metal takes the place of the less reactive metal in the compound, forming a new compound.

For example, in the reaction between iron and copper sulfate, the iron displaces the copper, forming iron sulfate and copper metal.

Fe(s) + CuSO4(aq) → FeSO4(aq) + Cu(s)