This definitions covers Key Definitions within The Reactivity Series for GCSE Chemistry. Revise The Reactivity Series in Chemical Changes for GCSE Chemistry with 28 exam-style questions and 20 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 5 of 12 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
📖 Key Definitions
Reactivity series: A list of metals (and carbon and hydrogen) arranged in order of decreasing reactivity — from most reactive at the top (potassium) to least reactive at the bottom (gold).
Oxidation: The loss of electrons by an atom or ion. In reactions with water or acid, the metal atom is oxidised (loses electrons to form positive ions).
Reduction: The gain of electrons by an atom or ion. In displacement reactions, the metal ion in solution gains electrons and becomes a neutral metal atom.
Electrolysis: Using electricity to decompose an ionic compound. Required to extract metals more reactive than carbon (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al) because carbon cannot reduce them.
Carbon reduction: Using carbon (coke) or carbon monoxide to extract metals less reactive than carbon from their oxides. Used in the blast furnace to extract iron.
Practice questions for The Reactivity Series
Which of the following shows metals listed in order from MOST reactive to LEAST reactive?
Iron filings are added to copper sulfate solution. Explain what happens, including what is observed and why the reaction occurs.