Chemical ChangesTopic Summary
Topic Summary: Reactivity Series
Part of The Reactivity Series — GCSE Chemistry
This topic summary covers Topic Summary: 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 12 of 12 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 12 of 12
Practice
20 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
Topic Summary: Reactivity Series
Key Terms
- Reactivity: ease of losing outer electrons
- Oxidation: loss of electrons
- Reduction: gain of electrons
- Electrolysis: extraction above carbon
- Carbon reduction: extraction below carbon
- Native: found uncombined (Au, Ag, Pt)
Must-Know Facts
- Order: K > Na > Li > Ca > Mg > Al > C > Zn > Fe > H > Cu > Ag > Au
- K, Na, Li, Ca react with cold water → hydroxide + H₂
- Mg–Fe react with steam only
- Metals above H react with dilute acid
- Above C → electrolysis; below C → carbon reduction
- Reactivity: more shells + more shielding = more reactive