Question

Identify the most reactive and least reactive metals among the following.

Al, K, Cu, Au

Answer 1

The reactivity of metals is explained based on their electropositive nature. Electropositivity is the tendency to lose electrons that are present in the metals. The electropositive characteristics of metals will decrease while moving down in the reactivity series.

• Aluminium$\left(\mathrm{Al}\right)$ and Potassium$\left(K\right)$ are more electropositive, compared to Copper$\left(\mathrm{Cu}\right)$ and Gold$\left(\mathrm{Au}\right)$.
• Potassium is placed at the top of the reactivity series while Gold is almost at the end of the series.
• Aluminium and Copper come in between the series and are moderately electropositive compared with Potassium.

Among the given metals the most reactive metal is Potassium$\left(K\right)$ since it is more electropositive than other elements.

Among the given metals the least reactive one is Gold$\left(\mathrm{Au}\right)$ since it is least electropositive than other elements.