The reactivity series of metals
The A list of elements in order of their reactivity, usually from most reactive to least reactive. of Shiny element that is a good conductor of electricity and heat, and which forms basic oxides. lists metals in order of decreasing A measure of how vigorously a substance will react. The more reactive it is, the greater its reactivity and the more vigorous its reactions will be.. In general, the more The tendency of a substance to undergo a chemical reaction. a metal is, the more vigorous its reactions are. The reactivity series can be used to make predictions about how fast a metal reacts or whether it will Take the place of another substance in a chemical reaction. For example, a metal can displace a less reactive metal from its oxide, removing oxide ions from the less reactive metal and becoming an oxide itself. another metal from a A substance formed by the chemical union of two or more elements..
The table summarises some reactions of metals in the reactivity series. Hydrogen is shown for comparison.
Question
Platinum is placed below gold in the reactivity series. Predict its reaction with dilute acids and explain your answer.
Platinum will not react with dilute acids. Metals below hydrogen in the reactivity series do not react with dilute acids, and both gold and platinum are placed below hydrogen.
Learn more on the reactivity series of metals in this podcast.
Listen to the full series on ±«Óătv Sounds.
Explaining reactivity
When metals react with Element that is a poor conductor of electricity and heat, and which forms acidic oxides., they form An ionic compound occurs when a negative ion (an atom that has gained an electron) joins with a positive ion (an atom that has lost an electron).. Each metal The smallest part of an element that can exist. loses one or more Subatomic particle, with a negative charge and a negligible mass relative to protons and neutrons. to become a An atom or group of atoms that have lost electrons and become positively charged. Most cations are formed from metals.. The more easily a metal loses electrons, the more reactive it is.