The Activity SeriesFor Single Replacement Reactions

Text Reference: 8.3 (pg. 265 - 267)

•We have looked at several reactions:Fe + CuSO4 Cu + Fe2(SO4)3

Li + H2O LiOH + H2

•Such experiments reveal trends. The activity series ranks the relative reactivity of metals.•An activity series allows us to predict whether or not certain chemicals will undergo single replacement reactions when mixed.

–Metals near the top of the series are most reactive and will displace the metals near the bottom.

•Which of these will react?

Fe + CuSO4

Ni + NaCl Li + ZnCO3

Al + CuCl2

Yes, Li is above Zn

Cu + Fe2(SO4)3Yes, Fe is above Cu

NR (No Reaction)

No, Ni is below Na

Zn + Li2CO3Cu + AlCl3

Yes, Al is above Cu

KNaLiCaMgAlZnFeNiSnPbHCuHgAgAu

• Hydrogen is the only nonmetal listed. H2 may be displaced in S.R. reactions.• It can also be given off when a metal reacts with H2O

(producing H2 + metal hydroxide).•A reaction with H2O depends on metal reactivity & water temperature. •Will Mg react with H2O?

KNaLiCaMgAlZnFeNiSnPbHCuHgAgAu

cold H2O

hot H2O

steam

NR (No Reaction)

Only if the H2O is hot/steam.Mg + H2O

H2 + ZnCl2Complete these reactions:

Al + H2O(steam) Cu + H2O Ca + H2SO4 Na + H2O

H2 + Mg(OH)2

H2 + Al(OH)3

H2 + CaSO4H2 + NaOH

•Will Zn replace H?Zn + HCl

• All metals will have a specific place in the activity series. For simplicity, only the most common metals are shown.

• The metals near the top of the activity series are more reactive because their valence electrons are more easily removed.

• On tests and quizzes the activity series will be given to you.

• You must remember that the metals appearing towards the top are more reactive than the metals appearing towards the bottom…

Other Activity Series Information