The Reactivity Series

Part of the Oxidation and Reduction section of Coddy's Chemistry journey. Lesson 16 of 27.

The reactivity series lists metals by how easily they lose electrons:

K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, Zn, Fe, Pb, (H), Cu, Ag, Au

K and Na react with cold water, Mg slowly, Cu, Ag and Au not at all.

A metal high in the series is a strong reducing agent: it is oxidized easily.

Challenge

A strip of magnesium is dipped in a solution of zinc ions, and grey zinc coats the strip: Mg + Zn²⁺ → Mg²⁺ + Zn. Which element is oxidized, and which is reduced?

Try it yourself

Oxidation numbersFollow the electrons

MgZn²⁺Mg²⁺Zn

Test yourself

This lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.

All lessons in Oxidation and Reduction

1Electron Transfer

What Is Oxidation Oxidation Numbers Rules for Oxidation Numbers Oxidation Numbers in Ions Recap - Number Painter

4Metals and Reactivity

The Reactivity SeriesDisplacement Reactions Metals and Acids Corrosion and Rust Recap - Metal Contest

2Redox Reactions

Spotting Redox Oxidizing Agents Reducing Agents Electrons Passed Recap - Who Gave Electrons

5Electrochemistry

Electrolysis Electrolysis of Melts Cells and Batteries Recap - Smelter

3Half-Equations

Writing Half-Equations Balancing with Electrons Half-Equations in Acid Combining Half-Equations Recap - Permanganate

6Practice Problems

Recap - Bleach and Iodide Recap - Copper and Silver Recap - Bromine Redox