Reactivity Series

Question 1

How can metals be arranged based on their reaction with water and dilute hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid?

Answer 1

Water:
metal + cold water -> metal hydroxide + hydrogen
As you move down the series reactions become less vigorous.

Dilute Hydrochloric acid:
It is the same as water just that all of the reactions happen more vigorously.

Question 2

Displacement: Metal and Metal Oxides

Answer 2

The less reactive metal had been displaced from its compound by the more reactive metal. As you go up the group the more reactive the metals are.

Question 3

What is the order of reactivity?

Answer 3

Potassium, sodium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, iron, copper, silver, gold.