C3.2 Reactivity series Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is the reactivity series?
A list of metals (and carbon & hydrogen) in order of how easily they react, especially with water or acids.
Name the first five most reactive metals in the series.
Potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium.
Which elements are often included in the reactivity series that aren’t metals?
Carbon and hydrogen.
Why is carbon included in the reactivity series?
To help decide whether a metal can be extracted by reduction with carbon.
Why is hydrogen included in the reactivity series?
To compare a metal’s reactivity with acids — metals above hydrogen react with dilute acids to release hydrogen gas.
How can metal reactivity be tested?
By reacting metals with acids or water and observing the rate of reaction (e.g. bubbles, temperature rise).
Which metals react with cold water?
Potassium, sodium, calcium (sometimes lithium).
Which metals react with dilute acids but not cold water?
Magnesium, zinc, iron.
Which metals do not react with dilute acids or water?
Copper, silver, gold.
What happens when a metal reacts with an acid?
It forms a salt and hydrogen gas.
Give the general word equation for a metal + acid reaction.
Metal + acid → salt + hydrogen.
What is a displacement reaction?
A more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its compound.
What is observed when magnesium is added to copper sulfate solution?
The solution changes colour and copper metal forms — a displacement reaction occurs.
Why doesn’t copper displace zinc from zinc sulfate solution?
Because copper is less reactive than zinc.
