What is a double displacement reaction?

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A double displacement reaction, also known as a double replacement reaction, is characterized by the exchange of ions between two compounds. In this type of reaction, the cations and anions of the reactants switch places to form two new products. An example of this can be seen when two ionic compounds react in solution, leading to the formation of two different ionic compounds.

This type of reaction is often represented by the general equation:

[ AB + CD \rightarrow AD + CB ]

where A and C are the cations while B and D are the anions. The result is that the compounds change partners, leading to new combinations of ions.

In contrast, the other options describe different types of chemical reactions. The breakdown of a single compound refers to a decomposition reaction, while the combination of two different substances describes a synthesis reaction. The displacement of one element by another aligns with single displacement reactions, where one element replaces another in a compound, but does not involve the exchange between two compounds. Hence, the answer accurately describes what occurs in a double displacement reaction.

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