The reactivity series

• Potassium

  Sodium

  lithium

  calcium

  magnesium

  carbon

  zinc

  iron

  hydrogen

  copper
• Metals reactivity is determined by how easily they lose electrons, forming positive ions.
• When metals react with water or acid, they lose elections and form positive ions. So the higher up in the group, the more easily it reacts with water or acid
• How Metals react with acids tells you about their reactivity

  • some Metals react with acids to form a salt and hydrogen gas. The speed of the reaction is indicated by the rate at which the bubbles of hydrogen o are given off
  • The more reactive the Metal, the faster the reaction Will go. very reactive metals like potassium, sodium, lithium and Calcium react explosively, but other, less reactive Metals react less vigorously.
  • the higher the temperature change of the reaction, the more reactive the metal
• Metals also react with water

  Metal + water = Metal hydroxide + hydrogen

  • Potassium, sodium, lithium and calcium react with water
  • less reactive metals like zinc, iron and copper don't