Displacement reactions involving highly reactive metals and metal compounds are highly exothermic because a large amount of heat is released during the reaction.
Why are displacement reactions involving highly reactive metals and metal compounds considered highly exothermic?
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Displacement reactions involving highly reactive metals and metal compounds are highly exothermic due to the strong driving force provided by the large difference in reactivity between the metals. Highly reactive metals, such as sodium or potassium, have a strong tendency to lose electrons and form positive ions. When they react with less reactive metals in their compounds, such as oxides or chlorides, the highly reactive metal displaces the less reactive metal from its compound. This displacement involves the transfer of electrons, releasing a significant amount of energy, making the reaction highly exothermic. The greater the difference in reactivity, the more exothermic the displacement reaction.