Reactivity series
What Reactivity series means in Combined Science GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Reactivity series
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Reference: AQA
The order of the named metals from potassium > sodium > lithium > calcium > magnesium > zinc > iron > copper, built by comparing their reactions with water or dilute acids.
An order in which metals are placed according to their tendency to form positive ions, so that a metal higher in it reacts more vigorously with water or dilute acid.
An order of metals from most to least reactive, deduced from experimental results and consistent with all the evidence.
An ordered list in which hydrogen and carbon, which are non-metals, are often included as reference points.
Topics that use Reactivity series
- The reactivity series (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Experimental comparison
- Experimental observation of metal reactions
- Ion formation
- Observation as evidence
- Oxidation and electron loss
- Ranking and ordering
- Displacement of hydrogen from dilute acids
- Displacement reactions
Using Reactivity series in the exam
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