The reactivity series

• What is the purpose of the reactivity series?


  It orders metals based on their reactivity towards other substances.
• How is the reactivity series determined?


  By how easily metals lose electrons to form positive ions.
• What happens when metals react with water or acid?


  They lose electrons and form positive ions.
• What does a higher position in the reactivity series indicate?


  The metal loses electrons more easily.
• What is the general reaction formula for metals reacting with acids?


  • Acid + Metal → Salt + Hydrogen
• How can the speed of a metal's reaction with acid be measured?

  By the rate at which hydrogen bubbles are produced.
• Which metals react explosively with acids?


  Potassium, sodium, lithium, and calcium.
• What is the reaction of metals with water?


  Metal + Water → Metal Hydroxide + Hydrogen.
• Which metals will react with water?

  Potassium, sodium, lithium, and calcium.
• Which metals do not react with water?

  Zinc, iron, and copper.
• What is the order of the reactivity series from most reactive to least reactive?


  1. Potassium
  2. Sodium
  3. Lithium
  4. Calcium
  5. Magnesium
  6. Aluminium
  7. Carbon
  8. Zinc
  9. Iron

  10. Hydrogen

  11. Copper
• Why are carbon and hydrogen included in the reactivity series?


  They are often compared with metals in terms of reactivity.
• How does the reactivity of metals with acids relate to their position in the reactivity series?


  More reactive metals produce hydrogen gas faster when reacting with acids.
• What are the three alkali metals mentioned in the study material?


  Potassium, Sodium, Lithium
• How is the reactivity of metals determined?


  By how easily they lose electrons to form positive ions
• What trend is observed in the reactivity of metals with water or acid?


  The higher the metal is in the reactivity series, the more easily it reacts with water or acid
• What do most reactive metals produce when they react with water?


  Metal hydroxides and hydrogen gas
• Which metals are compared in the study material?

  Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, Copper
• What is a displacement reaction in terms of reactivity?


  More reactive metals can displace less reactive ones
• What is the result of the displacement reaction between magnesium and iron(II) sulfate?


  Magnesium sulfate and iron are produced
• In the reaction $Mg +$$FeSO_4 \rightarrow MgSO_4 +$$Fe$, what does magnesium do?


  Magnesium displaces iron
• What does the term "more reactive" imply in the context of metals?


  It implies that the metal can lose electrons more easily than less reactive metals
• What is produced when metals react with water?


  Metal hydroxides and hydrogen gas
• Why do more reactive metals produce more heat during reactions?


  Because they react more vigorously with water or acid