This key facts covers Key Facts to Memorise 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 6 of 12 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
📌 Key Facts to Memorise
- Reactivity = how easily a metal loses its outer electrons to form positive ions
- More reactive metals have outer electrons further from nucleus + more shielding = weaker attraction
- K, Na, Li, Ca react vigorously with COLD water → metal hydroxide + hydrogen gas
- Mg, Al, Zn, Fe react with STEAM only → metal oxide + hydrogen gas
- Metals above hydrogen react with dilute acids → salt + hydrogen gas
- Metals above carbon must be extracted by ELECTROLYSIS (too reactive for carbon reduction)
- Metals below carbon can be extracted by CARBON REDUCTION (cheaper and easier)
- Test for hydrogen: Put a lighted splint near the gas — "squeaky pop" = hydrogen confirmed!
- Au, Ag, Pt are found NATIVE (uncombined) because they're so unreactive
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.
Quick recall flashcards
How do you test for hydrogen gas?
Hold a lighted splint near the gas — makes a 'squeaky pop' sound
General equation for metal + acid
Metal + Acid → Salt + Hydrogen