Reactivity Series

The Definition of Reactivity series primarily indicates the reaction of metals to various elements. Another synonymous term of reactivity series is 'activity series'. The series presents the downwards order of various metals based on the strength of their reactions.

The reactivity series helps to predict if a metal can change the position of another metal in a single reaction. The series also offers information on the reactivity of the metals towards acids and water.

The blog will discuss the reactive series through the metal charts in detail, focusing on various essential aspects. 

Reactive Series of the Common Metals is mentioned below,

1. Reactive to Water

a. Potassium (K+)
b. Sodium (Na+)
c. Lithium (Li+)
d. Barium (Ba2+)
e. Strontium (Sr2+)
f. Calcium (Ca2+)

2. Reactive to Acid 

1. Magnesium (Mg2+)
2. Aluminium (Al3+)
3. Manganese (Mn2+)
4. Zinc (Zn2+)
5. Chromium (Cr3+)
6. Iron (Fe3+)
7. Cadmium (Cd2+)
8. Cobalt (Co2+)
9. Nickel (Ni2+)
10. Tin (Sn2+)
11. Lead (Pb2+)

3. Highly Unreactive Metals

1. Antimony (Sb3+)
2. Bismuth (Bi3+)
3. Copper (Cu2+)
4.Mercury (Hg2+)
5.Silver (Ag+)
6. Gold (Au+)
7. Platinum (Pt4+)

Reference for Comparison (Non- metal)

Hydrogen (H+)
In the reactive process, metals lose electrons and create positive ions. The reaction of metals with oxygen forms metal oxides. Different metals react differently to oxygen in the presence of other natural elements like air.  

The Salient Features,

1. The metals reactive to water are strong in reducing the agents as the metals are easily oxidized. The metals tarnish very quickly.
2. The reducing ability lessens as the series goes down.
3. The electro-positive power of the elements decreases while going downwards the series.
4. The metals in the higher position can displace metals of the lower position.
5. The metals above require a high amount of energy according to their high position. 
6. The electron-donating ability of the metal reduces while traveling down the chart.

Non-reactive meaning in English is the metals that are not reactive to water or heat like tin, tin-plated copper, stainless steel, etc. These metals are used to create pans to cook food. These metals do not change in exposition to heat and water. 

Though Hydrogen is a non-metal, the gas is included in the reactive series for the power of comparison between the reactivity of other metals. The reactive series not only provide knowledge about reactivity and properties but also the result of the reactions. Like,

Metal with Oxygen Reaction 

The metals like Magnesium, Copper, and Iron are the reaction of metal with Oxygen examples, and create the oxide form of the metals,

• Magnesium (Mg) + Oxygen (O2) = Magnesium Oxide/ Magnesia (MgO)
• Iron (Fe)+ Oxygen (O2) = Iron Oxide (FeO)
• Copper (Cu)+ Oxygen (O2) = Copper Oxide (CuO)

Most Reactive Noble Gas

According to the researches, most noble gases are non-reactive to elements. Only Xenon is the reactive noble gas. The electrons of Xenon are deeply connected with atoms. Thus, Xenon is the most reactive gas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. How Reactive is Nickel?
A.Nickel is not at all a reactive metal. It does not tarnish. Nickel creates a layer of nickel oxide to stop corrosion. The metal dissolves in acid.

Q. Zinc is metal or non-metal? 
A. Zinc is a base metal that is used in biological and industrial uses. The metal is applied to galvanize steel to protect the metal from corrosion. The medal belongs to Group 12 of the periodic table. It is one of the most useful metals.

Q. Name Two Metals that react with cold water.
A. Sodium (Na) and Calcium (Ca) react with cold water. The reaction of sodium is more vigorous, whereas the reaction of calcium is less vigorous.

Q. Is Caesium a metal or non-metal?
A. Cesium is an alkali metal with a soft silvery-golden tint. The metal is one of the five metals that can hold the liquid form at room temperature.