The metal displacement series is the reaction order, which includes, among other things, during oxidation (combustion) of metals the oxygen group (oxides) a p for other, usually less precious metals. Example
Thermite is a mixture of iron oxide (FeO2 + FeO3 = rust) and aluminum (Al), both in powder form. The iron, as it were, is oxygen.
This powder mixture is applied between two iron objects, for example a train rail connection. After proper temperature ignition, there will be an aluminum combustion reaction that draws all oxygen to the iron oxide and leaves the pure iron in molten state. The aluminum oxide is like a white powder on top of the molten iron. If the two powders are mixed in the correct ratio, there is enough oxygen within the reaction to allow all aluminum to oxidize, while no iron is present in the iron section.
The combustion in this particular example, around the metal mix thermite, maintains itself and will proceed to one of the three elements O, Al or Fe.
This displacement series is one-way traffic and thus irreversible. For chemical reactions in reverse order, other processes are required, usually with a lot of energy and possibly with low pH pH. Not the most environmentally friendly chemical processes. Therefore, it is important to burn as little metal as possible, because recycled material becomes more expensive and can cause serious environmental damage during calamities while re-using the raw materials.
A handy donkey bridge to remember the displacement series is as follows: "Klaas BaCaNa Mag Al Zoenen, Felix Nickel Snoept Plumbum Pudding, Whole Coast Hugo Rear Platinum Cars" K, Ba, Ca, Na, Mg, Al, Zn, Fe , Ni, Sn, Pb, Pd, H, Cu, Hg, Ag, Pt, Au
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