This memory aid covers Memory Aids within The Reactivity Series for GCSE Chemistry. Revise The Reactivity Series in Chemical Changes for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 20 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 8 of 11 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 11
Practice
20 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
🧠 Memory Aids
Reactivity series mnemonic (most to least reactive):
"Please Stop Calling Me A Cute Zebra, I Like Cute Sheep Going Past Him"
K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, C (carbon reference), Zn, Fe, Pb, H (hydrogen reference), Cu, Ag, Au, Pt, Hg
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!