Zn + H2SO4 = ZnSO4 + H2

The reaction, Zn + H2SO4 = ZnSO4 + H2, is an example of single replacement reaction. A single replacement reaction is also known as displacement reaction.

The general form of a displacement reaction is written as:

A + BC → AC + B

In this kind of reaction, a more reactive compound displaces the less reactive compound. For example, zinc is more reactive than hydrogen, hence zinc will displace hydrogen.