10 Questions
What is a reactivity series in chemistry?
A reactivity series is an empirical, calculated, and structurally analytical progression of a series of metals, arranged by their reactivity from highest to lowest.
What information does a reactivity series summarize?
A reactivity series summarizes information about the reactions of metals with acids and water, single displacement reactions, and the extraction of metals from their ores.
What happens to metals going from the bottom to the top of the reactivity series table?
Metals going from the bottom to the top of the reactivity series table increase in reactivity, lose electrons more readily to form positive ions, corrode or tarnish more readily, require more energy to be isolated from their compounds, and become stronger reducing agents.
What are the three types of reactions commonly used to define the reactivity series?
The three types of reactions commonly used to define the reactivity series are reaction with water and acids, single displacement reactions, and extraction of metals from their ores.
Can the reactions used to define the reactivity series be performed in a high-school laboratory?
Yes, many of the reactions used to define the reactivity series can be performed in a high-school laboratory as demonstrations.
Which type of reactions are commonly used to define the reactivity series?
Redox reactions
What happens to the reactivity of metals as you go from the bottom to the top of the reactivity series table?
It increases
What property of metals increases as you go from the bottom to the top of the reactivity series table?
Reactivity
Which of the following is NOT a use of the reactivity series?
Calculating the density of metals
What happens to the ease of isolating metals from their compounds as you go from the bottom to the top of the reactivity series table?
It becomes more difficult
Study Notes
Reactivity Series
- A reactivity series is an empirical, calculated, and structurally analytical progression of metals, arranged by their reactivity from highest to lowest.
Characteristics of Metals in the Reactivity Series
- Going from the bottom to the top of the table, metals:
- Increase in reactivity
- Lose electrons (oxidize) more readily to form positive ions
- Corrode or tarnish more readily
- Require more energy (and different methods) to be isolated from their compounds
- Become stronger reducing agents (electron donors)
Defining Reactions
- There is no unique and fully consistent way to define the reactivity series, but it is commonly defined using three types of reactions:
- Reaction with water
- Reaction with acids
- Single displacement reactions
Test your knowledge of the reactivity series in chemistry with this quiz! Explore the reactions of metals with acids, water, and in single displacement reactions. See if you can arrange the metals in order of reactivity from highest to lowest.
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