

Questionĭescribe and explain the observations when a small piece of lithium is placed on the surface of a big container of water. In general, the more reactive the metal, the more rapid the reaction is. Sodium + water → sodium hydroxide + hydrogen For example, sodium reacts rapidly with cold water:

When a metal reacts with water, a metal hydroxide and hydrogen are formed. Hydrogen and carbon are shown for comparison. The table summarises some reactions of metals in the reactivity series.

#Activity series of metals free#
In other words, a highly reactive metal prefers to be a cation while its less reactive friend prefers to be a free element. A less reactive metal is a hoarder - it would rather have its valence electrons. The reactivity series tells us how much a metal wants to be a cationĪ more reactive metal donates electrons more readily to form a cation. In chemistry, a reactivity series (or activity series) is an empirical, calculated, and structurally analytical progression of a series of metals, arranged by their 'reactivity' from highest to lowest. More reactive metals react more vigorously, increasing the rate of effervescence of hydrogen gas.Ĥ. Secondly, reactivity affects the rate of reaction. The unreactive metals do not react at all, even when we use strong acid or high temperature. These metal oxides are bases that is, they neutralise acids.The relative reactivity of metals can be determined using a number of. Moderately reactive metals require a higher temperature to react with water. An activity series is a list of substances in order from most reactive to least reactive. Activity Series of Metals: The electrochemical, electromotive, or activity series of the elements is formed when the electrodes (metals and nonmetals) in contact with their ions are ordered on the basis of the values of their standard reduction potentials or standard oxidation potentials.Highly reactive metals are trigger happy, reacting with acids and even water at room temperature. Concept of the activity series: - Metals are elements with few valence electrons and these electrons are comparatively readily given up so that they form.Reactive metal + hydrochloric acid ⟶ metal chloride + hydrogenįirstly, reactivity affects what a metal can react with. Reactive metal + steam ⟶ metal oxide + hydrogen Reactive metal + water ⟶ metal hydroxide + hydrogen The reactivity series tells us if a reaction will happen and under what conditions Metal The trio sit in the same column within the transition metal hood.ģ.

The Trio of Unreactive MetalsĪnd the least reactive metals we need to know are copper, silver, and gold. Lead in Group IV is also moderately reactive. Answer: The metal reactivity series lists metals in order of their reactivity, from highest to lowest from top to bottom. Zinc, lead, copper, and silver are placed in test tubes containing solutions of. Transition metals are generally less reactive than the main group metals. Activity Series of Metals Demonstration A 4X4 matrix of test tubes is set up. Within each group, the metal lower down the group is more reactive. They have the greatest tendency to lose electrons to form cations.įor the four metals we need to know, those from Group I are more reactive than those from Group II. The activity series of metals is an empirical tool used to predict products in displacement reactions and reactivity of metals with water and acids in replacement reactions and ore extraction. Group I alkali metals and Group II alkaline earth metals are the most reactive. The reactivity series is written into the Periodic Table! Highly Reactive Group I and II Metals
