Category: Metal reactions

According to the activity series of metals, zinc is more reactive than mercury, allowing it to displace mercury from its compounds under the right conditions. This chemical phenomenon, known as a single-displacement reaction, is a key principle in inorganic chemistry that explains why zinc metal can be used to isolate mercury from a solution of one of its salts.

According to the reactivity series of metals, potassium is ranked significantly higher than iron, meaning it is more reactive. This fundamental principle of chemistry allows us to answer the question: can potassium displace iron? The answer lies in the relative position of these two elements within this vital chemical hierarchy.