Lab: Single and Double Replacement Reactions
Purpose: To predict products and observe various single and double replacement reactions.
Hypotheses: Single Replacement Reactions: Use the activity series (p.288 – Honors) and your understanding of single
replacement reactions to predict products for the following reactions. If no reaction will occur, then write “no rxn” on the product
side of the equation. Remember to BALANCE the equation afterwards.
1)
HCl
+
Mg

_____________________________
2)
HCl
+
Cu

_____________________________
(hint: copper could be +2 in this compound)
3)
HCl
+ Fe

_____________________________
(hint: iron will be +3 in this compound)
4)
HCl
+ Zn

_____________________________
Hypotheses: Double Replacement Reactions: Use the solubility chart and your understanding of double replacement reactions
to predict products for the following reactions (see Table 2 on the back of this paper…we’re only fully writing out equations for 4 of
the 16 you will test). If both of the possible products are aqueous, then write “no rxn” on the product side of the equation.
Otherwise, clearly state which product will be aqueous and which will form a solid precipitate. Remember to BALANCE the equation
afterwards.
1)
Na2CO3(aq) + Cu(NO3)2(aq) 
_____________________________
6)
NaOH(aq) + Fe(NO3)3(aq)

_____________________________
11)
Na3PO4(aq) + AgNO3(aq)

_____________________________
16)
MgSO4(aq) + Zn(NO3)2(aq) 
_____________________________
Procedures:
1.
2.
3.
4.
For each single replacement reaction, place a sample of each metal in your well plate and then place 5-6 drops
of HCl (aq) on top of it. Record your observations.
For each double replacement reaction, place two drops of each solution carefully on the transparency, covering
each “X” appropriately over your “Super High-Tech Patented Reaction Surface.” Record your observations.
If a precipitate formed, clearly write the formula for the precipitate on the line provided.
Clean up your workstation according to your instructors directions and answer all questions.
Observations/Data:
Table 1: Single Replacement Reaction Observations
HCl (aq)
1 Observations:
Mg
2 Observations:
Cu
3 Observations:
Fe
4 Observations:
Zn
Table 2: Double Replacement Reaction Observations
Aqueous
Solutions:
Cu(NO3)2
Fe(NO3)3
AgNO3
Zn(NO3)2
1 Observations:
2 Observations:
3 Observations:
4 Observations:
Precipitate: ________
Precipitate: ________
Precipitate: ________
Precipitate: ________
5 Observations:
6 Observations:
7 Observations:
8 Observations:
Precipitate: ________
Precipitate: ________
Precipitate: ________
Precipitate: ________
9 Observations:
10 Observations:
11 Observations:
12 Observations:
Precipitate: ________
Precipitate: ________
Precipitate: ________
Precipitate: ________
13 Observations:
14 Observations:
15 Observations:
16 Observations:
Precipitate: ________
Precipitate: ________
Precipitate: ________
Precipitate: ________
Na2CO3
NaOH
Na3PO4
MgSO4
Questions & Conclusions:
1) Based on your observations of the single replacement reactions, how do you know a reaction took
place?
2) Based on your observations of the single replacement reactions, list the metals tested in order of
most reactive to least reactive. How does that order compare to their position on the Activity
Series?
____ , ___, ___, ___
Most
least
3) In the single replacement reaction, why did copper not react while the other metals did?
4) How many of the single replacement reactions did not appear to react?
5) How many of the double replacement reactions did not appear to react?