Reactivity Series

Reactivity Series Summary

  • The reactivity series is a list of metals, in order of reactivity from highest to lowest.
  • It provides a means to compare the relative reactivities of different metals.
  • The more reactive a metal, the more readily it loses electrons to form positive ions (cations).

Metal Reactivity Determination

  • Direct comparison can establish metal reactivity; for example, if one metal displaces another from a solution of its salts, it is more reactive.
  • Redox reactions (oxidation and reduction) are key to understanding metal reactivity. An element that loses electrons (oxidation) is the reducing agent, and the element that gains electrons (reduction) is the oxidising agent.

Common Metals in the Reactivity Series

  • Potassium is at the very top of the reactivity series. It is extremely reactive, readily forming the cation K+ by losing one electron.
  • Iron sits somewhere in the middle of the series, truly reflecting its moderately reactive nature.
  • At the lower end, gold and silver demonstrate very low reactivity, tending not to form positive ions readily.

Utilisation of Reactivity Series

  • The ordering of metals in the reactivity series aids in predicting the outcomes of chemical reactions.
  • It helps foresee which metal might displace another metal from a compound in a chemical reaction.
  • The reactivity series assists in the selection of appropriate metals for various tasks, based on their reactivity. e.g. less reactive metals like gold and platinum are used in jewellery since they aren’t prone to corrosion.

Reactivity Series and Extraction Methods

  • Metals above carbon in the reactivity series (like aluminium and potassium) are extracted by electrolysis; below that, metals (like iron, zinc, and lead) are extracted by reduction using carbon.
  • Less reactive metals (like gold and silver), sit lowest in the reactivity series and are often found in their native state and hence, don’t require extraction.

Please remember to practice using the reactivity series for predicting reaction outcomes and the efficient extraction of metals.