The Activity Series For Single Replacement Reactions Text Reference: 8.3 (pg )

We have looked at several reactions: Fe + CuSO 4  Cu + Fe 2 (SO 4 ) 3 Li + H 2 O  LiOH + H 2 Such experiments reveal trends. The activity series ranks the relative reactivity of metals. An activity series allows us to predict whether or not certain chemicals will undergo single replacement reactions when mixed. –Metals near the top of the series are most reactive and will displace the metals near the bottom. Which of these will react? Fe+ CuSO 4  Ni+ NaCl  Li+ ZnCO 3  Al+ CuCl 2  Yes, Li is above Zn Cu + Fe 2 (SO 4 ) 3 Yes, Fe is above Cu NR (No Reaction) No, Ni is below Na Zn + Li 2 CO 3 Cu + AlCl 3 Yes, Al is above Cu K Na Li Ca Mg Al Zn Fe Ni Sn Pb H Cu Hg Ag Au

Hydrogen is the only nonmetal listed. H 2 may be displaced in S.R. reactions. It can also be given off when a metal reacts with H 2 O (producing H 2 + metal hydroxide). A reaction with H 2 O depends on metal reactivity & water temperature. Will Mg react with H 2 O? K Na Li Ca Mg Al Zn Fe Ni Sn Pb H Cu Hg Ag Au cold H 2 O hot H 2 O steam NR (No Reaction) Only if the H 2 O is hot/steam. Mg + H 2 O  H 2 + ZnCl 2 Complete these reactions: Al + H 2 O(steam)  Cu + H 2 O  Ca+ H 2 SO 4  Na+H 2 O  H 2 + Mg(OH) 2 H 2 + Al(OH) 3 H 2 + CaSO 4 H 2 + NaOH Will Zn replace H? Zn + HCl 

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 quizzes the activity series will be given to you. You must remember that the metals appearing towards the top are more reactive than the metals appearing towards the bottom… Other Activity Series Information