Metals and Equilibria: Reactivity of Metals

Understanding the reactivity series of metals is crucial. This ranks metals in order of their reactivity, with the most reactive (like potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium) at the top and the least reactive (like gold, silver, and copper) at the bottom.
The reactivity of a metal can be determined by its ability to form a positive ion by losing electrons. The most reactive metals readily lose their outer shell electrons to form an ion.
Metals above hydrogen in the reactivity series can react with acids to form a salt and produce hydrogen gas. Metals below hydrogen in the reactivity series do not react with acids.
Displacement reactions involve a more reactive metal displacing a lesser reactive metal from its salt solution. For example, zinc can displace copper from copper sulphate solution since zinc is more reactive.
Metal oxide is a compound which contains a metal chemically bonded to oxygen. In a similar fashion, metal hydroxide forms when a metal reacts with water.
Metals high on the reactivity series can react with water and some even with cold water. Potassium, sodium, and calcium can react with cold water while magnesium, zinc, and iron can react with steam.
Thermite reaction showcases the reactivity of metals where a more reactive metal reduces the oxide of a less reactive metal.
A metal cutting process can be slowed down or prevented through methods like applying a coating that blocks oxygen, regularly painting to prevent rusting, usage of oil or grease, and galvanising.
Extraction of a metal from its ore depends on its positioning in the reactivity series. Metals lower in the reactivity series are typically found in a native state in the Earth, while those higher up need to be extracted using appropriate reduction reactions.
High reactivity metals like aluminium and chromium react with oxygen to form a coating layer named oxide layer which protects the metal below from corrosion and further oxidation. This property is used in many practical applications such as in the manufacturing of rust-resistant materials.

Remember - practise with multiple examples to fully understand the concept. Revise the reactivity series frequently and work on displacement reactions and metal extraction methods until it becomes second nature. Good luck with your revision!