Intermediate Topic 725 of 1102 Inorganic Chemistry
Activity Series of Metals
Ranks metals by reactivity and predicts displacement reactions.
In-depth explanation of Activity Series of Metals
The activity series ranks metals by their tendency to lose electrons and form positive ions, from the most reactive, such as potassium, to the least reactive, such as gold. A metal higher in the series displaces any metal below it from solutions of its salts, which is why zinc displaces copper from copper(II) sulfate. Metals above hydrogen react with dilute acids to release hydrogen gas. The series is based on standard electrode potentials. It is used to predict displacement reactions and to choose metals for corrosion protection.
Going deeper: Activity Series of Metals
Key ideas: Order roughly: Li, K, Ba, Ca, Na, Mg, Al, Zn, Cr, Fe, Ni, Sn, Pb, (H), Cu, Ag, Hg, Pt, Au. A metal displaces ions of any metal below it, and metals above H displace H2 from acids. Li, K, Ba, Ca, Na react with cold water; Mg reacts with steam; Zn and Fe react with steam or acid. Order follows standard reduction potentials: Zn E0 -0.76 V, Cu +0.34 V, so Zn + Cu2+ gives Zn2+ + Cu with E0cell = 1.10 V.
Common mistakes and connections: Students think Cu will dissolve in HCl (it will not), or forget that Pb in HCl and H2SO4 stops through insoluble PbCl2 or PbSO4. Lithium is higher in the electrochemical series than Na by E0 but lower in reactivity series by observation. Metals more active displace less active ones, never the reverse. Links to standard potentials, galvanic cells and corrosion.
Visualization of Activity Series of Metals
Activity series by standard electrode potential: metals above hydrogen displace H2 from acids, and each metal reduces ions of those below it. The interactive lesson shows this as a live animation or chart.
Worked example and use case
Zinc displaces copper from copper(II) sulfate solution, but copper does not displace zinc from zinc sulfate.
Frequently asked questions about Activity Series of Metals
What is Activity Series of Metals?
Ranks metals by reactivity and predicts displacement reactions.
Is Activity Series of Metals a beginner, intermediate or advanced topic?
Activity Series of Metals is a intermediate topic in Inorganic Chemistry. It builds on the vocabulary of beginner topics in this area.
What should I learn before Activity Series of Metals?
Study these earlier topics in Inorganic Chemistry first: Chemical Formula Types, Hydrates, Types of Chemical Reactions.
What comes after Activity Series of Metals?
The next topics in Inorganic Chemistry are Solubility Rules and Precipitation Reactions.
Can I practise Activity Series of Metals with quizzes?
Yes. The interactive lesson includes a self-check question on Activity Series of Metals, and the Inorganic Chemistry quiz draws on every topic in this area.
Where Activity Series of Metals fits in Inorganic Chemistry
Activity Series of Metals is topic 110 of 113 in Inorganic Chemistry.