Displacement reaction. Image 1 of 2. Displacement reaction between zinc (Zn) sheet and copper sulphate (CuSO4) solution. When a metal is placed in a salt solution of a less reactive metal, it will displace it. That is, the less reactive metal will come out of solution as solid deposits and the more reactive metal will form a salt solution in its place. Zinc is more reactive than copper so black copper deposits form on the zinc. The equation for this reaction is: Zn in zinc sulphate solution - is shown in image A500/565.