The reactivity series is a list of metals (plus hydrogen and carbon) arranged in order of how easily they react. It helps predict how metals react and how they can be extracted from their ores.

What is the reactivity series?

The more reactive a metal is:

• The more easily it loses electrons
• The more vigorous its reactions with water or acid

The reactivity series list

From most reactive to least reactive:

Potassium
Sodium
Calcium
Magnesium
Aluminium
(Carbon)
Zinc
Iron
Tin
Lead
(Hydrogen)
Copper
Silver
Gold
Platinum

🧠 Useful mnemonic: Please Stop Calling Me A Cute Zebra I Like Her Calm Smart Grey Pony

Reactions with water

Only very reactive metals (like potassium, sodium, calcium) react with cold water.

Metal + water → metal hydroxide + hydrogen

Example:
2K + 2H₂O → 2KOH + H₂

Reactions with acid

Metals above hydrogen in the reactivity series react with acids to produce salt + hydrogen.

Metal + acid → salt + hydrogen

Example:
Mg + 2HCl → MgCl₂ + H₂

💡 Metals below hydrogen (like copper, silver, gold) do not react with acids.

Displacement reactions

A more reactive metal will displace a less reactive metal from a compound.

Example:
Zn + CuSO₄ → ZnSO₄ + Cu

Zinc is more reactive than copper, so it takes its place.

Metal extraction and the reactivity series

• Metals above carbon (e.g. aluminium) must be extracted by electrolysis
• Metals below carbon (e.g. iron) can be extracted by reduction with carbon