Reactivity Series
The reactivity series is the arrangement of metals in decreasing order of their reactivity.
Practice This ConceptMain explanation
Teacher explanation
This order helps us compare how easily different metals react with oxygen, water, acids, and salt solutions. A more reactive metal can often displace a less reactive metal from its compound. The series is very useful in prediction questions and displacement reactions.
Example
Zinc can displace copper from copper sulphate solution because zinc is more reactive than copper.
Simple analogy
Higher in the series means stronger in reaction.
Common confusion
Students often memorise the order but forget how to use it for displacement and extraction questions.
Exam tip
Always compare the position of two metals before predicting displacement.
Study the reactivity series diagram carefully
Use the labelled diagram to keep reactivity series clear in short answers and revision.
What this diagram makes clear
This diagram keeps the labels and direction of reactivity series in the right order.
Where this helps in exams
Use this for labelled diagram work and short exam answers on reactivity series.
Revision cue
Revise reactivity series through the labels before writing the answer.
Answer writing and exam use
1-mark use
Write the exact meaning of reactivity series in one clean line.
2-mark use
Define reactivity series and add one example or condition.
3-mark use
Explain reactivity series, show the method or example, and mention the common mistake.
Practice this concept with focused MCQs
Open the concept quiz intro first, review the test details, and then start a focused MCQ set from this concept only. Instant score and answer review are live now.
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