This memory aid covers Memory Aids 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 8 of 12 in this topic. Use it for quick recall, then test yourself straight afterwards so the memory aid becomes usable in an answer.
Topic position
Section 8 of 12
Practice
28 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
🧠 Memory Aids
Reactivity series mnemonic (most to least reactive):
"Please Send Lions, Cats, Mice And Cute Zebras In Hot Countries Since All's Gold"
K, Na, Li, Ca, Mg, Al, C (carbon reference), Zn, Fe, H (hydrogen reference), Cu, Ag, Au
Extraction rule — the "above/below carbon" test:
- Above carbon → Electrolysis needed (E for Electrolysis, E for Extra reactive)
- Below carbon → Carbon reduction possible (C for Carbon, C for Cheaper)
- Found native (Au, Ag, Pt) → No extraction needed at all
Water reaction rule: "K, Na, Li, Ca COLD water. Mg, Al, Zn, Fe only STEAM." Think: the top four are HOT-headed enough to react with cold water!
Keep building this topic
Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in The Reactivity Series. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.
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
28 questions on The Reactivity Series — practise free
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