1. Single Displacement Reactions
A single displacement reaction involves an element and compound as reactants. + + A B C B AC
compound
single element
In deciding which element is replaced (displaced),we use the general rule of metal replacing metal and non-metal replacing non-metal.

2. It then switches places with the metal in the compoundMg 2
NaCl +
MgCl2 + 2 Na
Is the element a metal or non-metal?
A metal
This is an example of a single displacement reaction with a metal displacing a metal.

3. It then switches places with the non-metal in the compound
Br2
CaI2 +
CaBr2 + I2
Is the element a metal or non-metal?
A non-metal
This is an example of a single displacement reaction with a non-metal displacing a non-metal.

4. + Mg + 2 Ag
NO3 2 Ag
Mg(NO3)2

5. Double Displacement Reactions
A double displacement reaction involves a compound and compound as reactants. + + AB CD AD CB
compound
compound
In general, the metals switch positions in a double displacement reaction.

6. Pb(NO3)2 + 2 KI
PbI2 + 2
KNO3
Metal switches spots with the other metal.
This is an example of a double displacement reaction with a metal displacing a metal.