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Chemical ChangesDiagram

The Complete Reactivity Series

Part of The Reactivity Series — GCSE Chemistry

This diagram covers The Complete Reactivity Series 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 3 of 11 in this topic. Focus on the labels, the relationships between parts, and the explanation that turns the diagram into an exam-ready answer.

Topic position

Section 3 of 11

Practice

20 questions

Recall

20 flashcards

📊 The Complete Reactivity Series

Most Reactive (top) to Least Reactive (bottom)

KPotassiumExplodes with water, lilac flame
NaSodiumViolent with water, yellow flame
LiLithiumFizzes steadily with cold water
CaCalciumReacts with cold water, sinks
MgMagnesiumReacts with steam only
AlAluminiumReacts with steam (oxide layer protects)
C(Carbon)REFERENCE LINE: Above = electrolysis needed
ZnZincCarbon reduction works
FeIronCarbon reduction (blast furnace)
H(Hydrogen)REFERENCE LINE: Above = reacts with acid
CuCopperNo reaction with acid or water
AgSilverFound native (uncombined)
AuGoldFound native (uncombined)

Memory trick: "Please Send Lions, Cats, Mice And Cute Zebras In Hot Countries Since All's Gold"

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.

Reactivity Series OverviewHow It Works: Why More Reactive Metals Lose Electrons More EasilyThe Metal Personality ContestKey Definitions

Practice Questions for The Reactivity Series

Which of the following shows metals listed in order from MOST reactive to LEAST reactive?

  • A. Copper > Iron > Zinc > Magnesium > Potassium
  • B. Potassium > Sodium > Calcium > Magnesium > Aluminium
  • C. Potassium > Sodium > Magnesium > Calcium > Aluminium
  • D. Potassium > Sodium > Calcium > Aluminium > Zinc
1 markfoundation

Iron filings are added to copper sulfate solution. Explain what happens, including what is observed and why the reaction occurs.

3 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

General equation for metal + acid
Metal + Acid → Salt + Hydrogen
How do you test for hydrogen gas?
Hold a lighted splint near the gas — makes a 'squeaky pop' sound

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Reactivity Series Overview

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How It Works: Why More Reactive Metals Lose Electrons More Easily