C4 - The Reactivity Series

General reaction of metals with water

Metal + Water → Metal Hydroxide + Hydrogen.

What happens when potassium reacts with water?

Potassium reacts very rapidly, forming potassium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

What happens when sodium reacts with water?

Sodium reacts rapidly (less vigorous than potassium), forming sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

What happens when lithium reacts with water?

Lithium reacts more slowly than sodium, forming lithium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

What happens when calcium reacts with water?

Calcium reacts fairly rapidly, forming calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

Which metals do not react with water at room temperature?

Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, and Copper.

General reaction of metals with acids

Metal + Acid → Salt + Hydrogen.

Why don't potassium, sodium, or lithium react with acids in the lab?

Because they would react too violently and be dangerous.

How does calcium react with dilute acids?

Calcium reacts extremely vigorously with dilute acids.

How does magnesium react with dilute acids?

Magnesium reacts rapidly with dilute acids.

How does zinc react with dilute acids?

Zinc reacts quite rapidly, but less than magnesium.

How does iron react with dilute acids?

Iron reacts slowly with dilute acids.

How does copper react with dilute acids?

Copper does not react with dilute acids.

What is the reactivity series order (from most to least reactive)?

Potassium, Sodium, Lithium, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, Copper.

Which two non-metals are often included in the reactivity series?

Carbon and Hydrogen.

In terms of electrons, what happens when metals react?

Metals lose electrons to form positive ions.

Example of a metal forming a positive ion

Potassium → K⁺ + e⁻.

What determines how reactive a metal is?

How easily it loses electrons to form a positive ion.

Which metals lose electrons very easily and are very reactive?

Potassium, Sodium, and Lithium.

Why is copper at the bottom of the reactivity series?

Because copper does not easily lose electrons and is very unreactive.