Question

What is metal reactivity series?

Answer 1

The metal reactivity series is a list of metals arranged in the order of their decreasing activities. The metals at the top of the series (K, Na, Ca, Mg and Al) are so reactive that they are never found in nature as free elements. It is difficult to separate them from their compounds and extract. The metals at the bottom of the activity series are the least reactive. Some of these metals are found in the earth’s crust in their free state. For example, Gold, Platinum is found in free state. So, it becomes comparatively easier to extract such least reactive metals.

In the reactivity series, copper, gold, and silver are at the bottom and hence least reactive. These metals are known as noble metals. Potassium is at the top of the series and hence most reactive.

Reactivity of some metals are given in descending order

K > Na > Ca > Mg > Al > Zn > Fe > Pb > Cu