A + BC → AC + B
where:
* A is a more reactive element or ion
* B is a less reactive element or ion
* C is an element or ion
This means that a more reactive element or ion (A) displaces a less reactive element or ion (B) from a compound (BC).
Key points to remember:
* Single-replacement reactions involve the replacement of one element in a compound with another element.
* The reactivity of the elements involved determines whether a single-replacement reaction will occur.
* The reaction will only proceed if the more reactive element can displace the less reactive element.
Examples of single-replacement reactions:
* Zn + CuSO4 → ZnSO4 + Cu (Zinc is more reactive than copper)
* 2Na + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2 (Sodium is more reactive than hydrogen)
* Fe + CuCl2 → FeCl2 + Cu (Iron is more reactive than copper)
