Reactivity series of metals
We can demonstrate the difference in reactivities by observing the reactions of each of these metals with steam, dilute acid, and also the reduction of the oxides with carbon.
#Reactivity series of metals series#
The reactivity series tells us that potassium (highest in series) atoms have a much higher tendency to become cations than, say, platinum (lowest), and therefore much more reactive.
![reactivity series of metals reactivity series of metals](http://gotxaser.weebly.com/uploads/1/3/3/4/133403779/342541880_orig.jpg)
NOTE: The main ones you need to know are potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, hydrogen, and copper The reactivity series orders metals from most reactive to least reactive: The greater the tendency to form the ion, the greater the reactivity of the metal. This all dependent on the tendency of a metal to form its positive ion.
![reactivity series of metals reactivity series of metals](https://mammothmemory.net/images/user/base/Chemistry/8.%20The%20Metal%20Reactivity%20Series/2.8.2%20Reactivity%20with%20water%20list%20resized.jpg)
Less reactive metals like copper will not react in cold water.
![reactivity series of metals reactivity series of metals](https://images.thdstatic.com/productImages/20658c0a-eab6-4193-ae05-4c7aed72bf91/svn/white-legrand-cord-covers-bw5-64_1000.jpg)
Note: Reactive metals such as sodium and potassium will react fine in cold water to produce hydroxide salts. Sonorous (makes bell-like sounds when struck).We have touched on the physical properties of metals in the previous topics.