2) The reactivity series

• When metals react, their atoms lose electrons to form positive metal ions.
• Some metals lose electrons more easily than others.
• The more easily a metal atom loses electrons, the more reactive it is.
•  The reaction of metals with acid and water can be used to place them in order of reactivity. This is called the reactivity series.
• Metals react with acids to produce metal salts and hydrogen.
• Lithium, sodium and potassium are very reactive metals - they react vigorously with water to produce a metal hydroxide solution and hydrogen
• Lithium, sodium and potassium would react so vigorously with dilute acids that it would not be safe to carry out the reactions.
• Calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron are fairly reactive metals - they react quickly with acids and slowly with water.
• Very unreactive metals, like copper and gold, do not react with acids or water and are placed at the bottom of the periodic table.
• Reactivity series often include carbon and hydrogen for comparison.