The reactivity series of metals

• How do metals react with acids?

  They form a salt and hydrogen gas
• What do we mean by the reactivity of a metal?

  How easily it forms positive ions
• Which group of metals is the most reactive?

  Group 1 metals
• Why are carbon and hydrogen included in the reactivity series?

  As references to compare the metals against
• How do we determine the order of metals in the reactivity series?

  By reacting them with acid or water
• What happens when potassium reacts with hydrochloric acid?

  It forms potassium chloride and hydrogen
• What is the reaction of potassium with hydrochloric acid like?

  Explosive and produces lots of hydrogen
• How does the reactivity change down the series?

  Reactions become less violent
• What do we observe when magnesium reacts with acid?

  Lots of bubbles as it disappears
• How can we measure the reactivity of metals?

  By measuring temperature changes in reactions
• What must be ensured for a fair test when comparing metals?

  Same mass and surface area of samples
• What do metals form when they react with water?

  Metal hydroxides and hydrogen
• Which metals do not react with water?

  Zinc, iron, and copper
• What happens when magnesium is added to iron sulfate?

  Magnesium displaces iron to form magnesium sulfate
• What occurs when copper is added to iron sulfate?

  Nothing happens because copper is less reactive
• What is the reactivity series of metals?

  • Arrangement of metals by reactivity
  • Most reactive: Group 1 metals
  • Less reactive: Group 2 metals
  • Least reactive: Transition metals
  • Includes carbon and hydrogen for comparison
• What are the key factors in conducting a fair test for metal reactivity?

  • Same mass of metal samples
  • Same surface area of metal samples
  • Same type and concentration of acid
• What are the products of metal reactions with acids and water?

  • Acids: Salt and hydrogen gas
  • Water: Metal hydroxides and hydrogen
• What is the significance of displacement reactions in the reactivity series?

  • More reactive metals displace less reactive ones
  • Example: Magnesium displaces iron in iron sulfate
  • Example: Copper does not displace iron in iron sulfate