Name  ______________________________

Date    _________

Single Replacement Reaction

Purpose: 

To observe a single replacement reaction and balance the equation for the reaction.

Background:

A single replacement reaction occurs when a pure substance replaces another element in a compound.  One element kicks another element out.

                             A   +     BC   --------à     AC   +    B

There is one thing ALONE on both sides of the equation.

Procedures:

1.    Pour Copper II sulfate solution about 2/3 full in a test tube.

2.    Unbend one side of an IRON paperclip so that there is a “hook” in the paperclip.

3.    Hang the paperclip over the edge of the test tube so that the long end of the paperclip is in the CuSO₄ solution. 

4.    Observe what is happening to the paperclip.

5.    Follow clean-up directions and answer questions.

Conclusions:

1.    The formula for the reaction is below.  Is the equation balanced?  If not, balance it.

        Fe    +    CuSO₄  ----------à   Fe₂(SO₄)₃    +   Cu

           

2.    Why is this reaction considered a single replacement reaction? Compare the definition to the actual chemical reaction.

3.    Describe the reaction.  The Iron (Fe)  and the Copper (Cu)  switch

places in the reaction.  Did you see this?  Explain.

4.    Why do Iron and Copper switch places?  (Hint:  Why do chemical reactions occur?  Why do we fill party balloons with Helium and not Hydrogen?)

5.    In chemical reactions, compounds and elements rearrange to form new chemicals and compounds with new properties.  Is this true of the reaction you viewed today?  Explain.