5.3The reactivity series of metals

Azneezal Ar-RashidSmk Sri Aman

95007 Sri Aman, Sarawak

The reactivity series of metals is the degree of activeness of metals during a reaction

Different metals are different in reactivity

Very reactive metals such as pottasium and sodium are stored in parafin wax because these metals react easily with water vapour and oxygen in the air

Non-reactive metals such as silver and gold occur as pure element

Reaction of metals with water

The most reactive metals can react with cold water to produce alkaline solutions and hydrogen

There are three metals that can react with water : Pottasium Sodium Calcium

Metal + water hydrogen + alkaline solution

Example Pottasium + water hydrogen + Pottasium hydroxide Calcium + water hydrogen + Calcium hydroxide

The reaction of metals with water, steam and acidReactive metals will reacts with water to

produces hydrogen, alkali and heatLess reactive metals will react with steam

and dilute acidThe reaction of metal with steam will

produce metal oxide and hydrogenThe reaction of metal with dilute acid will

produce salt and hydrogen

Reactive Metal + Water Hydrogen + Alkali + Heat

Less Reactive Metal + steam Metal Oxide + Hydrogen

Less Reactive Metal + dilute acid Salt + Hydrogen

The reaction of metals with oxygen

A metal that is heated in oxygen will produce a metal oxide

The rate of reaction depends on the position of metal in the reactivity series

Reactivity series of metals

Pottasium Sodium Barium Calcium Magnesium Aluminium Carbon Zinc Hydrogen Cadmium Iron Nickel Tin Lead Copper Mercury Silver Platinum Gold

Reactivity d

ecreases

5.4 The concepts of reactivity series of metals

Metal extraction from its ore is carried out based on the reactivity series of metals with oxygen

Carbon displacement is carried out by heating the mixture of the metal with carbon

Tin is extracted from cassiterite by heating cassiterite (tin oxide) with carbon in blast furnance at a high temperature

Tin oxide + Carbon Tin + Carbon Dioxide