Question

What is the activity series of metals?

Answer 1

Hint : We know that the activity series of metals is a list of metals where the arrangement of metals in the descending order of their reactivities. The reactivity series provides information whether a metal can displace another in a single displacement reaction. It also provides data on the reactivity of metals towards water and acids. For example-$Mg$ metal can displace hydrogen ions from its solution hence it is more reactive than element hydrogen.

Complete answer:
Features of the activity series of metals –
> The metals which are placed at the top of the reactivity series are very good reducing agents as they are easily oxidized.
> When we go down in the reactivity series the reducing ability and electro-positivity of elements decreases.
> The elements liberate hydrogen gas on reacting with dilute $HCl$ or dilute ${H_2}S{O_4}$which are found above the hydrogen element in the reactivity series.
> Metals which are placed at the higher position can displace metals from their salt that are placed below to it.
- The electron donating tendency of metals reduces as we go down in the series.
- The activity series of metals is given below :-

$K$	Potassium
$Na$	Sodium
$Ca$	Calcium
$Mg$	Magnesium
$Al$	Aluminium
$C$	Carbon
$Zn$	Zinc
$H$	Hydrogen
$Fe$	Ferus
$Sn$	Tin
$Pb$	Lead
$Cu$	Copper
$Hg$	Mercury
$Ag$	Silver
$Au$	Gold

Note: Activity series or reactivity series are arranged on the basis of the reactivity of the metals from top to bottom. It gives a summary of reactions of metals with acid, water and displacement reaction. It is also useful in the extraction of metals from their ores.