The Reactivity Series

Arrange the following metals from most reactive to least reactive.

most reactive -----> least reactive

• magnesium

• zinc

• silver

• sodium

Arrange the following metals from least reactive to most reactive.

least reactive -----> most reactive

• calcium

• iron

• aluminium

• copper

Which metal can react with cold water?

• copper

• lead

• potassium

• zinc

Which metal can react with steam but not cold water?

• copper

• lead

• potassium

• zinc

Which metal can react with acid but not steam?

• magnesium

• tin

• silver

• sodium

Which metal cannot react with water, steam or acid?

• magnesium

• tin

• silver

• sodium

What are the products formed when sodium reacts with water?

• sodium hydroxide and hydrogen

• sodium hydroxide and oxygen

• sodium oxide and hydrogen

• sodium oxide and oxygen

What are the products formed when magnesium reacts with steam?

• magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen

• magnesium hydroxide and oxygen

• magnesium oxide and hydrogen

• magnesium oxide and oxygen

A (a)   metal can displace a ​ (b)   metal from its compound.

• more reactive
• less reactive
• stronger
• weaker

What are the products of this reaction?

carbon + copper(II) oxide -----> ???

• copper(II) + carbon dioxide

• copper + carbon dioxide

• copper(II) carbon + oxygen

• no reaction

Answer explanation

Carbon is higher than copper in the Reactivity Series. Thus, carbon can displace copper from copper(II) oxide.