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The reactivity series ranks metals according to their reactivity, with the most reactive metals at the top and the most minor reactive metals at the bottom. As a result, a metal reactivity series is a grouping of metals in decreasing reactivity order. An activity series is a phrase used to describe it on occasion. Metals’ reactivity is caused by either their electrical structure or their imprecise outer orbitals. Metals lose electrons, resulting in positively charged ions. Metals with higher atomic numbers are more reactive because their electrons are farther away from the positively charged nucleus. As a result, they’re simple to get rid of.
Reactivity Series of Metals
Metal or nonmetal items surround us, and we must distinguish between the two. We must first comprehend the characteristics that distinguish metal from nonmetal and their reactivity. The reactivity series is a table that provides information on the reactivity of various metals. It may be used to predict whether one metal can displace another in a metal reaction and metal reactivity to water and acids. The reactivity series examples can also help you determine if a displacement reaction is single or double.
Tableau Long of the Reactivity Series
Metals ranging in reactivity from potassium to calcium are very reactive, interacting even with water. Acids may react with various metals, ranging from magnesium to lead. Metals ranging from copper to platinum are unreactive in normal conditions and do not react with any other substance. This is why platinum and gold are corrosion resistant and do not produce oxides. Oxides are widely produced by metals such as zinc, aluminium, magnesium, calcium, etc. Even though hydrogen is a nonmetal, it has been included in the reactivity series to help compare metal reactivity.
The metals’ reactivity is displayed in another tabular format below, where it is stated with their ions. Metals are divided depending on their reactions to cold water, hot water, acid, steam, and concentrated mineral acids. Again, the information is given in a tabular format.
Salient features of Reactivity Series
At the top of the reactivity scale are highly electropositive metals. The electropositive characteristic of metals decreases as we advance through the series.
As we proceed through the series, the reducing power of metals decreases. As a result, potassium is the most potent reducer.
As the reactivity series proceeds, metals’ ability to extract hydrogen from hydrides decreases.
Metals in the reactivity series above hydrogen can remove hydrogen ions from dilute HCl or sulphuric acid.
Less reactive metals may remove less reactive metals from their salt than reactive metals. As a result, metals at the top of the reactivity series can remove metals from their salts towards the bottom of the series.
The metals higher in the series can be removed using electrolysis. Metals ranging from zinc to mercury may be recovered simply by reducing their oxides, a low-cost method.
As we proceed through the series, the electron-donating ability of metals decreases.
The Reactivity Series: Applications
Aside from investigating metal properties and reactivities, the reactivity series has a variety of other essential applications. For example, it is possible to predict the outcomes of reactions between metals and acids, metals and water, and single displacement reactions between metals.
Metals and Water Reaction: Calcium and metals in the reactivity series examples that are more reactive than calcium may react with cold water to produce the proper hydroxide while liberating hydrogen gas. As illustrated in the chemical equation below, the interaction between potassium and water creates potassium hydroxide and H2 gas.
How is the Reactivity Series used in Real Life?
Reactivity series is also used in real life but the question is how is the reactivity series used in real life? The reactivity series contains data that may be used to predict whether a metal can displace another in a single displacement reaction. It may also determine a metal’s reactivity to water and acids. The graph below depicts the reactivity series of critical metals.
Conclusion
A reactivity series is a group of metals grouped in increasing reactivity order. As a result, the metal reactivity series may be defined as a set of metals grouped in decreasing order of reactivity. It is often referred to as an activity series. Metals are reactive because of their imperfect outer orbitals or electrical structure. Metals that lose electrons produce positively charged ions. Because their electrons are isolated from the positively charged nucleus and may be easily extracted, high-atomic-number metals are more reactive.
