The Activity Series

The activity series of the metal elements is a very helpful aid to predicting the products of replacement reactions. Also, it can be used as an aid in predicting products of some other reactions. Review the following items to help you make better use of the activity series.

• Each element on the list replaces from a compound any of the elements below it. If the interval between the two elements is large the reaction will be vigorous.
• The first five elements (lithium - sodium) are known as very active metals and they react with cold water to produce the hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
• The next four metals (magnesium - chromium) are considered active metals and they will react with very hot water or steam to form the oxide and hydrogen gas.
• The oxides of all of these first metals resist reduction by hydrogen gas.
• The next six metals (iron - lead) replace hydrogen from HCl and dilute sulfuric and nitric acids. Their oxides undergo reduction by heating with hydrogen gas, carbon, and carbon monoxide.
• The metals (lithium - copper), can combine directly with oxygen to form the oxide.
• The last five metals (mercury - gold) are often found free in nature, their oxides decompose with mild heating, and they form oxides only indirectly.