Question

The reactivity of metals increase as we go down in a group,for example-In group 1, Cesium is more reactive than sodium .

But this means that in group 11 ,Gold is more reactive than Copper,but since we have studied the reactivity series which says that Gold is less reactive than Copper.How is this possible?

Answer 1

For group1 and group2, the reactivity of metals increases down the group. But copper and gold are transition metals. These metals are less reactive than alkali and alkaline earth metals and show variable valencies. Their reactivity donot increase down the group.Gold is among the most unreactive metal found in nature.