Combined ScienceCode 5129
Reactivity series
What this topic asks you to be able to do
- state that the reactivity series places metals in order, from the most reactive down to the least reactive
- describe how metals differ in reactivity, based on how readily they form positive ions and on any displacement reactions they undergo with aqueous magnesium, zinc, iron, hydrogen, copper and silver ions
- Deduce an order of reactivity for metals from experimental results you are given, based on: (a) metals reacting with cold water, steam and dilute hydrochloric acid so that hydrogen is displaced (b) metals in displacement reactions
- account for aluminium's apparent lack of reactivity by referring to its oxide layer