Activity Series

Let us learn about "Activity Series"

A series or list of substances which can be arranged in the order of relative reactivity is termed as activity series. For ex., hydrogen ions can be knocked out of the solution by magnesium metal; therefore magnesium is more reactive as compared to element hydrogen. The Activity Series of the metals is a invaluable aid to predicting the products of replacement reactions. It also can be used as an aid in predicting product of some other reactions. Pay attention to the notes below as they are provided to help you make better use of the activity series than just the list of metals by themselves

Mg(s) + 2 H⁺(aq) H₂(g) + Mg²⁺(aq)

A series of elements that have similar properties—for example, metals—arranged in descending order of chemical activity.

The Activity Series of the metals is an invaluable aid to predicting the products of replacement reactions. It also can be used as an aid in predicting products of some other reactions. Pay attention to the notes below as they are provided to help you make better use of the activity series than just the list of metals by themselves.

1. Each element on the list replaces from a compound any of the elements below it. The larger the interval between elements, the more vigorous the reaction.

2. The first five elements (lithium - sodium) are known as very active metals and they react with cold water to produce the hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

3. The next four metals (magnesium - chromium) are considered active metals and they will react with very hot water or steam to form the oxide and hydrogen gas.

4. The oxides of all of these first metals resist reduction by H₂.

5. The next six metals (iron - lead) replace hydrogen from HCl and dil. sulfuric and nitric acids. Their oxides undergo reduction by heating with H₂, carbon, and carbon monoxide.

6. The metals lithium - copper, can combine directly with oxygen to form the oxide.

7. The last five metals (mercury - gold) are often found free in nature, their oxides decompose with mild heating, and they form oxides only indirectly.

In our next blog we shall learn about "acetic acid formula"

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