Developing a reactivity series for metals
I can compare the reactions of different metals with water and dilute acids in order to work out the reactivity series for metals.
Developing a reactivity series for metals
I can compare the reactions of different metals with water and dilute acids in order to work out the reactivity series for metals.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A more reactive element will replace a less reactive element in a compound (displacement).
- The more easily a metal atom forms a positive ion, the more reactive it is.
- Some metals react with acid to produce a metal salt and hydrogen gas.
- Some metals react with water to produce a metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
- Carbon is a non-metal element often included in the reactivity series between aluminium and zinc.
Keywords
Ion - An ion is an atom or group of atoms with a positive or negative charge due to the loss or gain of electrons.
Salt - A salt is an ionic compound formed from positive and negative ions electrostatically attracted to each other.
Reactivity series - The reactivity series shows metals placed in order of reactivity with the most reactive metal at the top.
Displacement - Displacement is where a more reactive element takes the place of a less reactive element in a compound.
Common misconception
Thinking that a metal and acid react together to produce salt and water.
Use symbol equations to show how hydrogen is produced, rather than water, due to the absence of oxygen atoms.
To help you plan your year 11 chemistry lesson on: Developing a reactivity series for metals, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 chemistry lesson on: Developing a reactivity series for metals, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
building block of all matter
an atom, or group of atoms, with a positive or negative charge
not chemically reactive
a more reactive element takes the place of a less reactive element
ionic compound formed from positive and negative ions