When a metal in elemental form is placed in a solution of another metal salt it may be more energetically feasible for this "elemental metal" to exist as an ion and the "ionic metal" to exist as the element. Therefore the elemental metal will "displace" the ionic metal and the two swap places. Only a metal higher in the reactivity series will displace another.
A metal can displace metal ions listed below it in the activity series, but not above. For example, zinc is more active than copper and is able to displace copper ions from solution.
However, silver cannot displace copper ions from solution. It is important to distinguish between the displacement of hydrogen from an acid and hydrogen from water.
Therefore, the nickel metal will be capable of replacing the lead in a reaction, but will not be capable of replacing iron. In the descriptions that accompany the activity series of metals, a given metal is also capable of undergoing the reactions described below that section. For example, lithium will react with cold water, replacing hydrogen. It will also react with steam and with acids, since that requires a lower degree of reactivity.
Use the activity series to predict if the reaction below will occur. If the reaction does occur, write the products of the reaction and balance the equation. Since aluminum is above zinc, it is capable of replacing it and a reaction will occur.
The products of the reaction will be aqueous aluminum nitrate and solid zinc. Take care to write the correct formulas for the products before balancing the equation. The balanced equation is:. Since silver is below hydrogen, it is not capable of replacing hydrogen in a reaction with an acid. Use the activity series to predict if the following reactions will occur. He holds bachelor's degrees in both physics and mathematics.
Updated February 28, Featured Video. Cite this Article Format. Helmenstine, Todd. Activity Series of Metals: Predicting Reactivity. Sulfuric Acid and Sugar Demonstration. Metal Profile and Properties of Tellurium. Reactivity Series Definition in Chemistry. What Does Reactivity Mean in Chemistry?
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