Reactivity Series
Overview
Some metals fizz violently when dropped into water while others sit unchanged for centuries. This difference in behaviour is not random: it follows a pattern called the reactivity series. Once you know where a metal sits in that series, you can predict whether it will displace another metal from a compound, how it should be extracted from its ore, and even how to stop iron from rusting.
In this lesson you will learn the order of reactivity for common metals, explore displacement reactions as a tool for ranking metals, investigate the conditions for rusting and the methods used to prevent it, and master the definitions of oxidation and reduction in terms of both oxygen and electron transfer.
Objectives
- Understand how metals can be arranged in a reactivity series based on their reactions with water and dilute acids
- Understand how metals can be arranged in a reactivity series based on their displacement reactions
- Know the order of reactivity of these metals: potassium, sodium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, zinc, iron, copper, silver, gold
- Know the conditions under which iron rusts
- Understand how the rusting of iron may be prevented by barrier methods, galvanising and sacrificial protection
- Understand the terms: oxidation, reduction, redox, oxidising agent and reducing agent in terms of gain or loss of oxygen and electrons
- Investigate reactions between dilute hydrochloric and sulfuric acids and metals
Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Reactivity Series. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Which of the following metals reacts most vigorously with cold water? A) Iron B) Zinc C) Potassium D) Copper Answer: C
- A piece of iron is placed in copper(II) sulfate solution. What is observed? A) No change B) The solution turns green and copper forms on the iron C) The iron dissolves and the solution stays blue D) Bubbles of gas appear Answer: B
- In the reaction Mg + CuO -> MgO + Cu, which substance is the reducing agent? A) CuO B) MgO C) Cu D) Mg Answer: D
- Which conditions are needed for iron to rust? A) Water only B) Oxygen only C) Both water and oxygen D) Water, oxygen and an acid Answer: C
- Which method of rust prevention involves coating iron with zinc? A) Painting B) Alloying C) Galvanising D) Electroplating Answer: C
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Practice Mock Questions
Want to practice mock questions on Reactivity Series? Download the Green Bridge CBT app to access mock questions and full practice assessments for this topic.
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