• In a single displacement reaction, one element replaces another in a compound.                  

Let AB and C be reactants then, single displacement reaction is:

AB + C → CB + A

• In a double displacement reaction, two compounds exchange parts to form two new compounds.

Let AB and CB be reactants then, double displacement reaction is:

AB + CD → AD + CB

• It involves one element and one compound as reactants.

• It involves two compounds as reactants.

• It produces one new compound and one free element.

• It produces two new compounds

• Single displacement reactions are commonly seen in metal and acid reactions

       Eg:        \(\rm Zn\)+\(\rm CuSO_{4}\) → \(\rm ZnSO_{4}\)+\(\rm Cu\)

• Double displacement reactions are often seen in reactions between ionic compounds in solution.

      Eg:         \(\rm CaCl_{2}\)+\(\rm 2AgNO_{3}\) → \(\rm Ca(NO_{3})_{2}\)+ \(\rm 2AgCl\)