AQA · GCSE · Chemistry
Course version: 8462 · Version from Sept 2018
Metals can be arranged in order of their reactivity in a reactivity series.
Full specification wording
The reactivity series: Metals can be arranged in order of their reactivity in a reactivity series.
A common order, starting with the most reactive, is potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, zinc, iron, copper, silver and gold.
Checked against the AQA 8462 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 7
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
A common order, starting with the most reactive, is potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, zinc, iron, copper, silver and gold. The series is supported by evidence: reactions with water or dilute acid, and displacement reactions, show which metals are more reactive. For example, potassium reacts vigorously with cold water while iron reacts only slowly with steam, and zinc displaces copper from copper sulfate solution. You should be able to recall or use the order, place a given metal correctly, and use the series to predict whether a displacement reaction occurs. The series is a model based on experimental evidence, not a random list, and it links directly to how readily each metal forms positive ions.
What earns the marks
- Metals are arranged from most reactive to least reactive in a reactivity series.
- A typical order includes potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, zinc, iron, copper, silver and gold.
- Evidence for the order comes from reactions with water, reactions with dilute acid and displacement reactions.
- A more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from a compound.
- The series can be used to predict whether a displacement reaction will occur.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Placing copper above iron in the series.
Put it right by recalling that iron is more reactive than copper, so iron displaces copper from its compounds.
Thinking the series is fixed by theory alone.
Put it right by linking each position to experimental evidence such as reaction with acid or water.
Predicting displacement in the wrong direction, for example saying copper displaces zinc.
Put it right by checking that the free metal is above the metal in the compound.
Exam tips
- Learn the order in a memorable sequence and practise placing unfamiliar metals using given evidence.
- For displacement questions, identify the free metal and the metal in the compound, then compare their positions.
- When justifying a prediction, quote the relevant evidence, such as reaction with dilute acid or a displacement result.
Try the lesson
The start of the The reactivity series: Metals can be arranged in order of their reactivity in a reactivity series. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What is the name of the list that shows metals in order of their reactivity?
Listen
A common order, starting with the most reactive, is potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, zinc, iron, copper, silver and gold. The series is supported by evidence: reactions with water or dilute acid, and displacement reactions, show which metals are more reactive. For example, potassium reacts vigorously with cold water while iron reacts only slowly with steam, and zinc displaces copper from copper sulfate solution. You should be able to recall or use the order, place a given metal correctly, and use the series to predict whether a displacement reaction occurs. The series is a model based on experimental evidence, not a random list, and it links directly to how readily each metal forms positive ions. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Metals are arranged from most reactive to least reactive in a reactivity series. A typical order includes potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, zinc, iron, copper, silver and gold. Evidence for the order comes from reactions with water, reactions with dilute acid and displacement reactions. A more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from a compound. A common slip: Placing copper above iron in the series. Instead, recalling that iron is more reactive than copper, so iron displaces copper from its compounds. Exam tip: Learn the order in a memorable sequence and practise placing unfamiliar metals using given evidence.
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Key words
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Reactivity series
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Experimental evidence for reactivity
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Displacement reactions
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Using the series to make predictions
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See every definition
- Reactivity series
- Metals can be arranged in order of their reactivity, from the most reactive to the least reactive.
- Experimental evidence for reactivity
- Reactions with water or dilute acid, and displacement reactions, show which metals are more reactive.
- Displacement reactions
- A more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from a compound.
- Using the series to make predictions
- The series can be used to predict whether a displacement reaction occurs.
Label the diagram
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1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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