* Single Displacement: In this type of reaction, a more reactive element (in this case, sodium, Na) displaces a less reactive element (magnesium, Mg) from a compound.

Let's break down the reaction:

* Reactants:

* Sodium (Na) - a highly reactive alkali metal

* Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) - a salt

* Products:

* Sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) - another salt

* Magnesium (Mg) - a less reactive metal

The Reaction:

The sodium (Na) atoms are more reactive than the magnesium (Mg) atoms. This means that sodium has a stronger tendency to lose electrons and form positive ions (Na+).

In the reaction, two sodium atoms (2Na) react with one magnesium sulfate molecule (MgSO4). The sodium atoms displace the magnesium, forming sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) and leaving behind magnesium (Mg) as a free element.

Chemical Equation:

2Na + MgSO4 → Na2SO4 + Mg

Key Points:

* Reactivity: The reactivity of elements plays a crucial role in determining whether a single displacement reaction will occur.

* Formation of New Compounds: Single displacement reactions result in the formation of at least one new compound.

* Balancing: The equation is balanced, ensuring that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the reaction.