Uses of Reactivity Series

The reactivity series provides the study of properties and reactivities of the metals, Apart from this reactivity series also provides several other important applications. For example, the result we get out of the reactions between metals and acids, metals and water, and single displacement reactions between metals can be predicted.

Reaction Between Metals and Water

Calcium and the metals that are more reactive than calcium in the reactivity series can react with cold water to form the corresponding hydroxide while liberating hydrogen gas. For example, the reaction between potassium and water yields potassium hydroxide and H₂ gas, as described by the chemical equation provided below.

2K + 2H₂O → 2KOH + H₂

Single Displacement Reactions between Metals

Highly reactive metals can reduce the less reactive metals from their salts in an aqueous solution and this happens through a single displacement reaction. For example, copper can easily displace silver from the silver nitrate solution, as copper is much more reactive than silver and the balanced chemical reaction of the same is given as follows:

Cu(s) + 2AgNO₃ (aq) → Cu(NO₃)₂(aq) + 2Ag(s)

Reaction  with Acid and Base

Metals that are more reactive than hydrogen can displace hydrogen from dilute acids, and form respective metal salts and hydrogen gas.

Metal + Dilute Acid or Base → Salt + Hydrogen gas

For example, sodium metal has a tendency to displace hydrogen from hydrogen chloride (HCl) to form sodium chloride and liberate hydrogen gas. The reaction is given below:

2Na(s) + 2HCl (dilute)  →  2NaCl (aq)  +  H₂(g)

For another example, Iron can displace hydrogen from the sulfuric acid to make Iron Sulfate and Hydrogen gas, and the balanced chemical reaction of the same is as follows:

Fe(s) + H₂SO₄ (dilute) → FeSO₄(aq) + H₂(g)

For another example for Base, When zinc reacts with sodium hydroxide, it gives an aqueous solution of sodium zincate (as zinc can’t replace sodium from the base due to less reactivity) and hydrogen gas. The balance chemical reaction of the same is as follows:

Zn(s) + 2NaOH (aq) → Na₂ZnO₂(aq) + H₂(g)

Reactivity Series is an arrangement of metals from highest to lowest reactivity order. Therefore, the term “reactivity series” refers to a series of metals arranged in descending order of reactivity. It is also known by the name “activity series.”

Let’s understand about Reactivity Series, reactivity series table in detail below.