4.4.1.2 - The reactivity series

List the relativity series (from most to least reactive)

• Potassium

• Sodium

• Lithium

• Calcium

• Magnesium

• (Carbon)

• Zinc

• Iron

• (Hydrogen)

• Copper

What do metals form when they react with other substances?

The metal atoms form positive ions.

What is meant by the reactivity of a metal?

The reactivity of a metal is related to its tendency to form positive ions

(in water or acid)

What does the reactivity series do?

Arranges metals in order of their reactivity

A more reactive metals can …..

……. displace a less reactive metal from a compound

What is produced when a metal and water react?

METAL + WATER = METAL HYDROXIDE + HYDROGEN

What can the reaction of metals with water show?

The reaction of metals with water can also show the reactivity of metals

E.g. the metals potassium, sodium, lithium and calcium will all react with water but metals like zinc, iron and copper won’t react with water