(2.15-2.17) Reactivity Series

How do the reactions of metals with water affect how they are arranged in the series?

The more vigorous the reaction, the higher they are.

• e.g. Potassium reacts violently but Iron reacts slowly

How do the reactions of metals with HCl affect how they are arranged in the series?

• Only metals above hydrogen react with dilute acids

• The more vigorous the reaction, the higher up the metal

What is a displacement reaction?

A reaction in which:

• a more reactive metal replaces a less reactive metal from its compound

What is observed when a more reactive metal and an aqueous salt solution react?

• more reactive metal disappears

• displaced metal forms as a solid

State reactivity series (with mnemonic)

Potassium- perhaps

Sodium- southern

Lithium- liverpool

Calcium- can

Magnesium- manage

Aluminium- a

(Carbon)- couple

Zinc- zebras.

Iron- i

(Hydrogen)- honestly

Copper- can’t

Silver- stand

Gold- giraffes.