When a more reactive metal is placed in a salt solution containing a less reactive metal, it replaces the less reactive metal. This reaction is known as ________.

The reaction where a more reactive metal replaces a less reactive metal from its salt solution is known as a displacement reaction. This process follows the general chemical equation: A + BC → AC + B, where element A is more reactive than element B. It is specifically called a single displacement reaction because only one element is replaced in the compound, distinguishing it from double displacement. Whether a reaction will occur depends on the reactivity series; if the metal added is lower in the series than the metal in the solution, no reaction will take place.