The reactivity series of metals
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Explainer Video
Summary
The reactivity series of metals
In a nutshell
Metals react with non-metals, such as water, oxygen and acid, to form ionic compounds.
Equations
REACTANTS | | PRODUCTS |
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The reactivity series
The reactivity series places elements in order of most reactive to least reactive. The tendency of a metal to lose electron(s) from its outer shell and form positive ions is related to its reactivity. This means that the more easily a metal loses electron(s) from its outer shell, the more reactive it is. A reactivity series of metals, relative to two non-metals (hydrogen and carbon) can be seen below.
Example
Why is potassium more reactive than lithium?
Both potassium and lithium are in Group , but potassium is more reactive than lithium because it is larger, with more electron shells. This means that the outer electron is further away and less attracted to the nucleus so it is easier to 'lose' the outer electron in potassium, compared to lithium.
Reactions with water, acid and oxygen
Metals form ionic compounds by losing electrons to non-metals. By doing so, the metal forms a positive ion and the non-metal forms a negative ion. The electrostatic forces of attraction between these oppositely charged ions is an ionic bond.
Metal and water
When a metal reacts with water, a metal hydroxide and hydrogen are produced.
PROCEDURE
| 1. | Identify the metal |
| 2. | Write down the reactants for the equation |
| 3. | Draw an arrow going to the right |
| 4. | The metal hydroxide will be the metal identified plus the word hydroxide |
| 5. | Write down the products for the equation |
Example
Write down the word and symbol equation for when calcium and water react.
Metal and acid
When metal and acid react they form a metal salt and hydrogen.
PROCEDURE
| 1. | Identify the acid and the metal |
| 2. | Write down the reactants for the equations |
| 3. | Draw an arrow going to the right |
| 4. | The metal salt name will be the metal plus the conjugate of the acid |
| 5. | Write down the products for the equation |
Hint: Make sure you know which conjugate and acids are pairs.
ACID | | CONJUGATE |
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Example
Write down the word and symbol equation for when calcium and hydrochloric acid react.
Metal and oxygen
When metal and oxygen react they form a metal oxide.
PROCEDURE
| 1. | Identify the metal |
| 2. | Write down the reactants for the equation |
| 3. | Draw an arrow going to the right |
| 3. | The metal oxide will be the name of the metal plus oxide |
| 4. | Write down the products for the equation |
Example
Write down the word and symbol equation for when magnesium and oxygen react.
In this reaction, magnesium is oxidised. Oxidation is the loss of electrons and gain of oxygen.
Displacement reactions
In a displacement reaction, a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal in its ionic compound. It essentially 'kicks' the less reactive metal out of its compound.
Example
Write down the word and symbol equation for when zinc oxide and calcium react.
In this reaction, zinc is reduced. Reduction is the gain of electrons and loss of oxygen.
Note: The mnemonic OILRIG can be used to learn the difference between reduction and oxidation. This is because Oxidation Is Loss and Reduction Is Gain (of electrons).
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Which products are produced when a metal reacts with an acid?
When a metal reacts with an acid, a metal salt and hydrogen are produced.
What is a displacement reaction?
Displacement reactions are where a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal in its ionic compound. It essentially 'kicks' the less reactive metal out of its compound.
What is a reactivity series?
A reactivity series places elements in order of most reactive to least reactive.