The Reactivity Series

Question 1

What determines the reactivity of a metal?

Answer 1

How easily the metal loses electrons to form a positive ion

Question 2

How do the first four metals in the reactivity series react with water?

Answer 2

Very rapidly and vigorously

Question 3

What observations will you make when a metal reacts with water

Answer 3

Effervesence, bubbles of hydrogen gas

Metal floats

Metal dissolves

Reacts vigourously (first 4)

Question 4

What is the word equation for the reaction between potassium and water?

Answer 4

Potassium + Water→ Potassium hydroxide + Hydrogen

Question 5

What is the word equation for the reaction between sodium and water?

Answer 5

Sodium + Water→ Sodium hydroxide + Hydrogen

Question 6

What is the word equation for the reaction between lithium and water?

Answer 6

Lithium + Water→ Lithium hydroxide + Hydrogen

Question 7

What is the word equation for the reaction between calcium and water?

Answer 7

Calcium + Water→ Calcium hydroxide + Hydrogen

Question 8

Why is it not recommended to react the first four metals in the reactivity series with a dilute acid?

Answer 8

They are highly reactive and an explosion will take place which is dangerous

Question 9

What is the general word equation for the reaction between a metal and a dilute acid?

Answer 9

Metal + Dilute Acid → Salt + Hydrogen

Question 10

What observations would you make when reacting a metal with dilute acid

Answer 10

The metal will dissolve
Effervesence
The metal will float