Reactivity Series

The reactivity series for some common metals is shown below.

Carbon and hydrogen are non-metals but these elements can be used to extract metals, so it is
helpful for you to learn where they fit into the reactivity series.
Task 1
Create a mnemonic (silly sentence) to help you learn the reactivity series of metals.
Once you are confident that you have learnt the reactivity series, test yourself with the questions
– but no peeking!

most reactive
p 
potassium
s 
sodium

l 
lithium

c 
calcium

magnesium m 

aluminium a 

carbon c 

zinc
z 

iron
i 
hydrogen
h 
copper
c 
gold
g 
least reactive

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 Reactivity Series

Task 2
Match up the key words to their definitions. Draw one line from each key word.

A chemical reaction in which a metal loses oxygen. This method is

ore
used to extract metals less reactive than carbon.

The breakdown of a compound using electricity. This method is used

reduction
to extract metals more reactive than carbon.

electrolysis A naturally-occurring rock from which a metal can be extracted.

Task 3
Answer the questions about the reactivity series and extraction of metals.
1. Which of these metals is the most reactive?
Tick one box.

sodium

zinc

copper

2. Which of these metals is the least reactive?

Tick one box.

potassium

magnesium

gold

3. Only metals that are less reactive than carbon can be extracted by reduction with carbon.
Name two metals that can be extracted this way.

1.

2.

4. A displacement reaction takes place when a more reactive metal displaces (takes the place
of) a less reactive metal in a compound.

e.g. magnesium + copper sulfate magnesium sulfate + copper

Predict the products of the displacement reactions below.

a) calcium + zinc sulfate +

b) sodium + magnesium chloride +

c) magnesium + copper nitrate +

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Reactivity Series Answers
The reactivity series for some common metals is shown below.
Carbon and hydrogen are non-metals but these elements can be used to extract metals, so it is
helpful for you to learn where they fit into the reactivity series.
Task 1
Create a mnemonic (silly sentence) to help you learn the reactivity series of metals.
Students can make up any silly sentence that helps them remember the reactivity series
but an example is shown below.

most reactive

potassium please

sodium stop

lithium leaving

calcium cute

magnesium monkeys

aluminium and

carbon chunky

zinc zebras

iron in

hydrogen hot

copper cramped

gold groups

least reactive
 Reactivity Series Answers

Task 2
Match up the key words to their definitions. Draw one line from each key word.

A chemical reaction in which a metal loses oxygen. This method is

ore
used to extract metals less reactive than carbon.

The breakdown of a compound using electricity. This method is used

reduction
to extract metals more reactive than carbon.

electrolysis A naturally-occurring rock from which a metal can be extracted.

Task 3
Answer the questions about the reactivity series and extraction of metals.
1. Which of these metals is the most reactive?
Tick one box.

sodium

zinc

copper

2. Which of these metals is the least reactive?

Tick one box.

potassium

magnesium

gold

3. Only metals that are less reactive than carbon can be extracted by reduction with carbon.
Name two metals that can be extracted this way.

Any two from:

• zinc
• iron
• copper

4. A displacement reaction takes place when a more reactive metal displaces (takes the place
of) a less reactive metal in a compound.

e.g. magnesium + copper sulfate magnesium sulfate + copper

Predict the products of the displacement reactions below.

a) calcium + zinc sulfate calcium sulfate + zinc

b) sodium + magnesium chloride sodium chloride + magnesium

c) magnesium + copper nitrate magnesium nitrate + copper