The Activity Series

Text Reference: 3.3 (pg. 125 - 128)

We have looked at several reactions: Fe + CuSO4 Cu + Fe2(SO4)3 Li + H2O LiOH + H2 No, Ni is Yes, Li is Such experiments reveal trends. The activity below Na above series ranks the relative reactivity of Zn metals. It allows us to predict if certain chemicals will Al is when undergo single displacement Yes, reactions above Cu mixed: metals near the top are most reactive and will displacing metals near the bottom. Q: Which of these will react? Yes, Fe is above Cu Fe + CuSO4 Cu + Fe2 (SO4)3 Ni + NaCl NR (no reaction) Li + ZnCO3 Zn + Li2CO3 Al + CuCl2 Cu + AlCl3

K Na Li Ca Mg Al Zn Fe Ni Sn Pb H Cu Hg Ag Au

H is the only nonmetal listed. H2 may cold be displaced from acids or can be given off when a metal reacts with H 2O H2O (producing H2 + metal hydroxide). The reaction with H2O depends on hot H O 2 metal reactivity & water temp. Q: will Mg react with H2O? steam

A: No for cold, yes if it is hot/steam Mg + H2O H2 + Mg(OH)2 acid Q: Zn + HCl H2 + ZnCl2 Complete these reactions: Al + H2O(steam) H2 + Al(OH)3 Cu + H2O NR Ca + H2SO4 H2 + CaSO4 Na + H2O H2 + NaOH

K Na Li Ca Mg Al Zn Fe Ni Sn Pb H Cu Hg Ag Au

Other Activity Series Information

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 exams the activity series may appear as K, Na, Ag, Au; you must remember that K is reactive, Au is not. If the valence of a metal is not indicated in the question, use its most common valence (in bold on your periodic table) to determine the correct chemical formula.

Activity series lab

1. On the next slide, place a check in the corner of boxes where you think reactions will take place. 2. Get a plastic spot plate. 3. Combine chemicals specified in the chart. Figure out a way to keep track of the chemicals. Use a scoop for solids (the less, the better). Use 1 squeeze of an eyedropper for solutions. 4. Write chemical equations for chemicals that reacted. Write NR where there was no reaction. 5. Dump used chemicals into the large funnel at the front of the room (use a squirt bottle to rinse remaining chemicals into the funnel). Wash the spot plate and glass rod very well. Dry & return.

 Ag+ Mg(NO3)2 Ag+ Cu(NO3)2 Ag+ Zn(NO3)2

Mg + AgNO3 Cu + AgNO3 Zn + AgNO3 Mg + H2SO4

H2 + MgSO4 NR

Mg

Cu

Zn

AgNO3 H2SO4 Fe(NO3)3 CuCl2

Zn + H2SO4
H2 + ZnSO4 Zn+ Fe(NO3)3 Fe+ Zn(NO3)2

Mg+ Fe(NO3)3 Fe+ Mg(NO3)2

NR

Mg + CuCl2 Cu + MgCl2

NR

Zn + CuCl2 Cu + ZnCl2

Oxides
The formation Oxides form via the and behavior of addition of oxygen: oxides can also K + O2 K2O be predicted via the activity series. Oxides plus H2 (with heat) will change to Complete these metal and H2O: reactions: heat Ca + O2 CaO NiO + H2 Ni + H2O
Au + O2 NR

heat Fe2O3+ H2 heat HgO Hg + O 2 Fe + H2O

Oxides decompose with heat:

K Na Li Ca Mg Al Zn Fe Ni Sn Pb H Cu Hg Ag Au