Describe the difference between single displacement and double displacement reactions.

Single Displacement Reaction: In a single displacement reaction, one element displaces another element in a compound, resulting in a new element and a new compound. The general formula for this type of reaction is A + BC → AC + B. For example, if you mix zinc (Zn) with hydrochloric acid (HCl), the zinc displaces the hydrogen, resulting in zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and hydrogen gas (H2).

Double Displacement Reaction: In a double displacement reaction, elements from two different compounds swap places, resulting in two new compounds. The general formula for this type of reaction is AB + CD → AD + CB. For example, if you mix silver nitrate (AgNO3) with sodium chloride (NaCl), the silver swaps places with the sodium, resulting in silver chloride (AgCl) and sodium nitrate (NaNO3).

In summary, the main difference between these two types of reactions is the number of elements that are displaced. In a single displacement reaction, one element is displaced, while in a double displacement reaction, two elements are displaced.