In a displacement reaction, what is the key factor that determines whether a more reactive metal will displace a less reactive metal from its compound? 

The correct answer is Position of the metals in the reactivity series.

Key Points

• In a displacement reaction, the reactivity of the metals involved plays a crucial role.
• The reactivity series is an arrangement of metals in order of their reactivity, from most reactive to least reactive.
• A more reactive metal can displace a less reactive metal from its compound.
• This is because the more reactive metal has a greater tendency to lose electrons and form positive ions.
• For example, zinc can displace copper from copper sulfate solution because zinc is higher in the reactivity series than copper.

 Additional Information

• Temperature of the reaction
  • While temperature can affect the rate of reaction, it does not determine whether one metal will displace another.
  • Displacement reactions are more influenced by the reactivity of the metals involved.
• Size of the metal atoms
  • The size of metal atoms does not play a significant role in displacement reactions.
  • It is the reactivity and ability to lose electrons that matter more in these reactions.
• Concentration of the compound
  • While the concentration of the compound can affect the rate of a reaction, it does not determine the displacement of metals.
  • The ability to displace another metal is primarily dependent on the relative reactivity of the metals.