Activity Series of Metals
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The activity series ranks metals by reactivity: K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, Zn, Fe, Pb, H, Cu, Ag, Au. Metals higher in the series can displace those below from solutions.
Breakdown
Potassium (K)
Most reactive, reacts violently with water
Sodium (Na)
Very reactive, reacts with cold water
Calcium (Ca)
Reactive, reacts with water
Magnesium (Mg)
Reacts with steam
Aluminum (Al)
Reactive but protected by oxide layer
Zinc (Zn)
Reacts with acids, used in batteries
Iron (Fe)
Reacts with acids, rusts
Lead (Pb)
Barely reactive
Hydrogen
Reference point
Copper (Cu)
Won't react with dilute acids
Silver (Ag)
Noble metal, unreactive
Gold (Au)
Most noble, extremely unreactive
Example
Zn + CuSO4 -> ZnSO4 + Cu (Zn is above Cu, displaces it). Cu + ZnSO4 -> No reaction (Cu is below Zn). Zn + HCl -> ZnCl2 + H2 (Zn above H, produces hydrogen).
When to Use This
- ✓Predicting single replacement reactions
- ✓Determining if a metal reacts with acid
- ✓Understanding electrochemical cells
- ✓Choosing metals for corrosion protection
FAQs
Common questions about this mnemonic
The activity series is the inverse of standard reduction potentials. More reactive metals have more negative reduction potentials - they prefer to be oxidized.
Gold has the highest reduction potential (+1.50 V), meaning it strongly prefers to stay as Au metal rather than form ions. This is why gold doesn't corrode and has been prized throughout history.