Understanding Reactivity
The reactivity of metals is determined by their tendency to lose electrons and form positive ions. Metals higher on the reactivity series will displace metals lower on the series from their compounds.
The Reactivity Series (Most Reactive to Least Reactive)
1. Lithium (Li)
2. Potassium (K)
3. Sodium (Na)
4. Calcium (Ca)
5. Magnesium (Mg)
6. Aluminum (Al)
7. Zinc (Zn)
8. Iron (Fe)
9. Lead (Pb)
10. Hydrogen (H)
11. Copper (Cu)
12. Mercury (Hg)
13. Silver (Ag)
14. Gold (Au)
15. Platinum (Pt)
Metals that will NOT react with copper sulfate:
* Metals below copper on the reactivity series: Copper sulfate is a compound of copper (Cu) ions. Any metal below copper in the reactivity series will not be able to displace copper from its compound. This includes:
* Mercury (Hg)
* Silver (Ag)
* Gold (Au)
* Platinum (Pt)
Metals that WILL react with copper sulfate:
* Metals above copper on the reactivity series: Metals above copper can displace copper from copper sulfate. This is because they have a stronger tendency to form positive ions. Examples include:
* Zinc (Zn)
* Iron (Fe)
* Lead (Pb)
* Magnesium (Mg)
* Aluminum (Al)
Important Note:
* Reaction conditions matter: While a metal might be higher on the reactivity series, a reaction might not occur if the conditions are not favorable (e.g., low temperature, very dilute solution).
Example:
* Zinc reacting with copper sulfate:
Zn(s) + CuSO4(aq) → ZnSO4(aq) + Cu(s)
Zinc (Zn) is higher on the reactivity series than copper (Cu). It displaces copper from the copper sulfate solution, forming zinc sulfate and solid copper.
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