We’d expect the potassium to react explosively (in reality you would never do this in a school laboratory as it is too dangerous), while the magnesium would bubble vigorously and the zinc would form bubbles very slowly. Less reactive metals, such as zinc and iron, do not have extreme chemical reactions with water but they do react with acid. Let’s say we carry out the experiment described above by adding potassium, magnesium and zinc into test tubes containing dilute sulfuric acid. Less Reactive Metals Zinc and Iron Reaction with Water, Oxygen, and Acids. 12.Write word and symbol equations for the first reaction from Q11. The reactivity series tells us that potassium (highest in series) atoms have a much higher tendency to become cations than, say, platinum (lowest), and therefore much more reactive.

The reactions with the crosses do not happen, as the metal is less reactive than the metal in the compound so can’t displace it. The faster the bubbles are given off, the faster the rate of reaction and the more reactive the metal. The ticked reaction happen, as the metal is more reactive than the metal in the compound so a displacement reaction takes place. The bubbles are hydrogen gas and can be confirmed using a lit splint, which will produce a ‘squeaky pop’ when the hydrogen burns. It is important that each metal has the same surface area because this will affect the rate of reaction.Ĭount the number of bubbles produced in a given time. Reactivity Series of Metals is an interactive app for students to learn about the reactivity series of metals, most reactive metals, metal reactivity. Add equal volumes of dilute hydrochloric acid or dilute sulfuric acid into a series of test tubes then add a equal mass of metal to each test tube.

Reactivity series of metals