Predicting Reactions Using the Reactivity Series Flashcards

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What is the reactivity series used for in chemistry?

It puts metals in order of how easily they react. It lets you predict whether a metal will react and how strongly.

What is the key rule for metal displacement reactions in the reactivity series?

A more reactive metal will displace, or push out, a less reactive metal from its compound.

In a metal displacement reaction, which metal ends up in solution and which as a solid?

The more reactive metal forms a solution as a salt. The less reactive metal is left or made as a solid metal.

Will magnesium react with copper sulfate solution? Use the reactivity series to explain.

Yes. Magnesium is above copper in the reactivity series, so it displaces copper to make magnesium sulfate and copper.

Will copper react with magnesium sulfate solution? Use the reactivity series to explain.

No. Copper is below magnesium in the reactivity series, so it cannot displace magnesium and no reaction happens.

How can you use the reactivity series to tell if a metal will react with a dilute acid?

If the metal is above hydrogen in the reactivity series, it will react with the acid to make a salt and hydrogen gas. If it is below hydrogen, it will not react.

Will zinc react with dilute hydrochloric acid? Name the gas made.

Yes. Zinc is above hydrogen in the reactivity series, so it reacts to make zinc chloride and hydrogen gas.

Why does magnesium react faster with dilute acid than iron?

Magnesium is higher than iron in the reactivity series. A higher metal reacts more quickly and strongly with the acid.

How does the reactivity series help you predict if a metal will react with water?

Metals high in the reactivity series, like potassium and calcium, react with cold water. Metals low down, like copper, do not react with water.

Which will react more strongly with water, calcium or copper? Explain using the reactivity series.

Calcium. It is much higher than copper in the reactivity series, so it reacts with water while copper does not.