Reactivity

Apuntes

Reactivity Series (Top to Bottom) Most Reactive 1. Potassium (K) 2. Sodium (Na) 3. Calcium (Ca) 4. Magnesium (Mg) 5. Aluminium (Al) 6. Carbon (C) (non-metal) 7. Zinc (Zn) 8. Iron (Fe) 9. Tin (Sn) 10. Lead (Pb) 11. Hydrogen (H) (non-metal) 12. Copper (Cu) 13. Silver (Ag) 14. Gold (Au) 15. Platinum (Pt) Least Reactive ⸻ Key Points to Know 1. Reactions with Water • Top metals (like K, Na, Ca) react vigorously with cold water. • Middle metals (like Mg, Zn) may react slowly or only with steam. • Low metals (like Cu, Ag, Au) don’t react with water at all. 2. Reactions with Acid • Metals above Hydrogen react with acids (e.g., HCl) to produce hydrogen gas. • Metals below Hydrogen do not react with acids. 3. Reactions with Oxygen (Air) • More reactive metals form oxides quickly. • Less reactive ones (like Gold and Platinum) resist oxidation (don’t rust/tarnish). 4. Displacement Reactions • A more reactive metal can displace a less reactive metal from its salt solution. • Example: Zinc + Copper sulfate → Zinc sulfate + Copper 5. Extraction of Metals • Metals above carbon (e.g. Al) are extracted using electrolysis. • Metals below carbon (e.g. Fe) are extracte...