JSS 1: ACTIVITY SERIES OF METALS

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The activity series (reactivity series) is a list of metals arranged in order of their ability to displace hydrogen from water or acids.
The activity series is arranged in descending order of reactivity. Highly reactive metals appear at the top, while less reactive metals are placed lower in the series.

Arrangement of metals in the activity series 
Potassium (k)
Sodium (Na)
Calcium (Ca)
Magnesium (Mg)
Aluminium (Al)
Zinc (Zn)
Iron (Fe)
Tin (Sn)
Lead (Pb)
Hydrogen (H)
Copper (Cu)
Mercury (Hg)
Silver (Ag)
Gold (Au)

A more reactive metal can displace a less reactive metal from its compound in solution. Example:
Zinc displaces copper from Copper sulphate solution:
Zn + CuSO4  → ZnSO4 + Cu

Uses of reactivity series
1. It helps to predict the behavior of metals in chemical reactions.
2. It is used to determine the methods to be used in the extraction of metals
3. Knowledge of reactivity helps in choosing metals for galvanization
4. The activity series helps in designing electrochemical cells

NOTE:
1. Metals higher in the series react more vigorously than those lower.
2. Non-metal like hydrogen is included in the series to compare metal reactivity.

Assignment
1. Arrange the following metals in order of reactivity: Iron, Potassium, Copper, Zinc, Gold, Calcium
2. State three (3) uses of the activity series 
3. Name two (2) elements that are below hydrogen in the activity series 

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