Question

Name the two metals which do not react with oxygen.

Answer 1

Hint: The reactivity of metal is determined using the reactivity series. The metals which are present at the top of the reactivity series are most reactive and the reactivity decreases as we move down the reactivity series.

Complete Solution :
- Let’s understand what reactivity means, reactivity refers to the chemical reaction of one or more than one substances that interact with each other and form products.
- The reactivity series in chemistry in which metals are arranged by their reactivity from highest to lowest is used to provide information about the reactions of metals with water or acids or some displacement reactions. The reactivity series is mentioned below-
Potassium – k (most reactive)
Sodium – Na
Calcium - Ca
Magnesium - Mg
Aluminium - Al
Zinc - Zn
Iron - Fe
Tin - Sn
Lead – Pb
Copper – Cu
Silver – Ag
Gold – Au
Platinum – Pt (least reactive)
Now we can say the silver, gold and platinum do not react with oxygen because these three compounds are least reactive and present in downwards in the reactivity series.

Additional information:
Other reactivity is also determined using the reactivity series which includes the reactivity with cold water. Sodium is highly reactive with water or cold water. In this reaction metal hydroxide is produced and hydrogen gas is released. While Mercury, zinc and Tungsten are found in the bottom of the reactivity series hence they are least reactive with cold water.

Note: All the alkali metals i.e. lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium and francium react vigorously with water. Each of them on reaction with water produces metal Hydroxide and hydrogen gas is removed. Sodium is stored under kerosene due to its reactivity.
- The most interesting fact is as we move down the group in alkali metals the reactivity increases.