Reactivity series and displacement reactions

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Lesson notes

Reactivity of Metals

Metals differ in how strongly they react with water or acid; this is due to differences in **reactivity**.
More reactive metals produce more **bubbles of hydrogen** when placed in acid.
The **reactivity series** lists metals in order of reactivity, from most to least reactive.
**Carbon** and **hydrogen** are included in the series even though they are not metals, to help predict reactions.

Testing Reactivity

Place metals in **hydrochloric acid**; the rate of bubble production shows reactivity.
Magnesium reacts vigorously, copper shows no reaction.
Reactions with **water** also indicate reactivity; more reactive metals react more vigorously.

Displacement Reactions

A **displacement reaction** occurs when a more reactive element replaces a less reactive element in a compound.
Example: **iron** displaces copper from copper sulfate: iron + copper sulfate → iron sulfate + copper.
No reaction occurs if the displacing element is less reactive (e.g., gold with copper sulfate).
Another example: **aluminium** displaces iron from iron oxide: aluminium + iron oxide → aluminium oxide + iron.

Signs of a Chemical Reaction

**Gas release** (bubbles) indicates a reaction.
**Colour change** is another sign; e.g., blue copper sulfate turns green when iron displaces copper.
In the magnesium–copper sulfate reaction, the blue colour fades to colourless.

Using the Reactivity Series

A metal can only displace another metal if it is **higher** in the reactivity series.
For example, magnesium displaces lead from lead nitrate because magnesium is more reactive.
Calcium cannot displace sodium from sodium carbonate because calcium is less reactive than sodium.

Example Word Equations

Aluminium + iron oxide → **aluminium oxide** + **iron**
Magnesium + copper chloride → **magnesium chloride** + **copper**
Zinc + iron sulfate → **zinc sulfate** + **iron**

Particle arrangement in solids, liquids, and gases. Reactivity relates to how easily atoms can lose electrons.

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Practice questions

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1.Which of the following is the correct order of reactivity, from most reactive to least reactive?
Easy
- AMagnesium > Copper > Iron
- BCopper > Iron > Magnesium
- CMagnesium > Iron > Copper
- DIron > Magnesium > Copper
2.What is the sign of a chemical reaction when a metal is placed in acid?
Easy
- AA colour change
- BBubbles of gas
- CA solid precipitate
- DA temperature decrease
3.In the reaction: iron + copper sulfate → iron sulfate + copper, which metal is displaced?
Medium
- AIron
- BCopper
- CSulfate
- DBoth iron and copper
4.Which of the following is NOT a sign of a chemical reaction?
Easy
- AA colour change
- BA gas being released
- CA change of state
- DThe mixture becoming colder
5.Why is carbon often included in the reactivity series even though it is not a metal?
Medium
- ABecause it reacts with metals
- BBecause it helps predict displacement reactions
- CBecause it is the most reactive element
- DBecause it is a metal
6.What colour is copper sulfate solution?
Medium
- AGreen
- BBlue
- CColourless
- DRed
7.Which statement about the reaction between gold and copper sulfate is correct?
Hard
- AGold displaces copper because gold is more reactive
- BCopper displaces gold because copper is more reactive
- CNo reaction occurs because gold is less reactive than copper
- DNo reaction occurs because both are unreactive
8.In a displacement reaction, a more reactive element replaces a less reactive element in a compound. True or false?
Easy
- ATrue
- BFalse
- COnly if both are metals
- DOnly if the compound is an oxide

More questions

9.Which of the following word equations correctly represents a displacement reaction?
Medium
- Amagnesium + copper sulfate → magnesium sulfate + copper
- Bcopper + magnesium sulfate → copper sulfate + magnesium
- Ciron + sodium chloride → iron chloride + sodium
- Dgold + iron oxide → gold oxide + iron
10.When aluminium reacts with iron oxide, what are the products?
Hard
- AAluminium oxide and iron
- BAluminium and iron oxide
- CAluminium iron and oxygen
- DNo reaction
11.Which metal would displace lead from lead nitrate?
Medium
- ACopper
- BSilver
- CMagnesium
- DGold
12.Why does no reaction occur when calcium is added to sodium carbonate?
Hard
- ACalcium is less reactive than sodium
- BCalcium is more reactive than sodium
- CSodium is more reactive than calcium
- DBoth are equally reactive
13.In an experiment, a student adds a piece of metal X to a blue solution of copper sulfate. After a few minutes, the solution turns green and a brown solid appears. Which statement about metal X is correct?
Medium
- AMetal X is less reactive than copper.
- BMetal X is more reactive than copper.
- CMetal X is copper itself.
- DMetal X is gold.
14.A student places equal masses of magnesium, zinc, iron, and copper into separate test tubes containing the same volume and concentration of hydrochloric acid. The rate of bubble production is measured. Which graph best shows the expected results? (Assume hydrogen bubbles indicate reaction rate.)
Hard
- AMagnesium fastest, then zinc, then iron, copper no bubbles.
- BCopper fastest, then iron, then zinc, magnesium slowest.
- CAll metals produce bubbles at the same rate.
- DMagnesium fastest, then iron, then zinc, copper no bubbles.
15.A displacement reaction occurs when magnesium is added to copper sulfate solution. Which of the following observations is a sign that a chemical reaction has taken place?
Medium
- AThe solution becomes colourless.
- BThe solution turns blue.
- CA precipitate of magnesium sulfate forms.
- DBubbles of oxygen are released.
16.Which of these metals would displace iron from iron oxide in a thermite reaction?
Easy
- ACopper
- BGold
- CAluminium
- DSilver
17.A student adds a piece of metal to a colourless solution of lead nitrate. After a few minutes, a grey solid appears and the solution becomes colourless. Which metal could have been used?
Hard
- ACopper
- BZinc
- CGold
- DLead
18.In an experiment, a student places a piece of calcium into a solution of sodium carbonate. Which statement best describes the outcome?
Medium
- ACalcium displaces sodium, forming calcium carbonate and sodium metal.
- BNo reaction occurs because calcium is less reactive than sodium.
- CNo reaction occurs because both metals form carbonates that are insoluble.
- DCalcium reacts with water in the solution, but does not displace sodium.
19.The reactivity series includes carbon and hydrogen even though they are not metals. Why is carbon included?
Easy
- ABecause carbon is a metal.
- BTo predict displacement reactions involving carbon.
- CBecause carbon is more reactive than all metals.
- DTo show that carbon is less reactive than hydrogen.
20.A student adds zinc granules to a solution of iron(II) sulfate. After some time, the solution becomes colourless and a grey solid forms. Which word equation correctly represents the reaction?
Medium
- Azinc + iron(II) sulfate → iron + zinc sulfate
- Bzinc + iron(II) sulfate → zinc sulfate + iron
- Czinc + iron(II) sulfate → no reaction
- Dzinc + iron(II) sulfate → iron(II) zinc + sulfate
21.A student sets up four test tubes with copper sulfate solution. Into each tube, a different metal is added: magnesium, iron, silver, and copper. After 10 minutes, the student observes the colour of the solution. Which tube shows no colour change?
Hard
- AMagnesium
- BIron
- CSilver
- DCopper
22.The reaction between magnesium and hydrochloric acid produces hydrogen gas. Which of the following would increase the rate of reaction?
Medium
- AUsing a larger piece of magnesium.
- BUsing a more dilute acid.
- CCooling the acid.
- DUsing magnesium powder instead of a ribbon.
23.A student adds a piece of metal X to a solution of metal Y sulfate. The solution changes from blue to green. Which of the following is a possible identity for X and Y?
Hard
- AX = copper, Y = iron
- BX = iron, Y = copper
- CX = zinc, Y = magnesium
- DX = silver, Y = copper
24.Which of the following is a sign that a displacement reaction has occurred?
Easy
- AThe solution becomes hot.
- BA colour change in the solution.
- CThe metal dissolves completely.
- DThe solution becomes more acidic.
25.A student adds zinc granules to a solution of iron(II) sulfate. Which observation confirms that a displacement reaction has occurred?
Medium
- AThe solution turns from green to colourless and a grey solid forms.
- BThe solution turns from blue to green and a brown solid forms.
- CThe solution remains green and no solid forms.
- DThe solution turns from colourless to blue and a grey solid forms.
26.In an experiment, four metals are added separately to hydrochloric acid. The rate of bubble formation is observed. Which metal is most reactive?
Medium
- AThe metal that produces bubbles most rapidly.
- BThe metal that produces bubbles most slowly.
- CThe metal that produces no bubbles.
- DThe metal that produces bubbles at a steady rate.
27.A student places a piece of magnesium into a solution of copper(II) sulfate. The blue colour fades and a brown solid appears. Which statement correctly explains why this is a displacement reaction?
Hard
- AMagnesium is more reactive than copper, so magnesium displaces copper from the compound.
- BCopper is more reactive than magnesium, so copper displaces magnesium from the compound.
- CThe reaction is not a displacement because no gas is produced.
- DThe colour change is due to magnesium dissolving, not a displacement.
28.Which of the following is a sign that a chemical reaction has taken place when a metal is placed into an acid?
Easy
- AA gas is released.
- BThe metal dissolves completely.
- CThe solution becomes coloured.
- DThe temperature decreases.
29.Why is carbon included in the reactivity series even though it is not a metal?
Easy
- ABecause carbon can displace metals from their oxides in extraction processes.
- BBecause carbon is a metal.
- CBecause carbon reacts with all acids.
- DBecause carbon is more reactive than all metals.
30.In the reaction: aluminium + iron oxide → aluminium oxide + iron, which statement is correct?
Medium
- AAluminium is more reactive than iron and displaces it.
- BIron is more reactive than aluminium and displaces it.
- CBoth metals are equally reactive.
- DThe reaction is not a displacement because no gas is produced.
31.A student places calcium into a solution of sodium carbonate. Which statement best describes the outcome?
Hard
- ANo reaction occurs because calcium is less reactive than sodium.
- BA displacement reaction occurs, forming calcium carbonate and sodium.
- CCalcium reacts with water, not with sodium carbonate.
- DSodium carbonate decomposes in the presence of calcium.
32.In an experiment, a student adds a piece of metal X to a blue solution of copper sulfate. After a few minutes, the solution turns green and a brown solid appears. What is metal X?
Hard
- AIron
- BCopper
- CSilver
- DGold
33.Which of the following is a sign of a chemical reaction when a metal is placed in an acid?
Easy
- ABubbles of gas are produced.
- BThe metal becomes shiny.
- CThe solution becomes colourless.
- DThe metal dissolves without bubbles.
34.Which of the following is a sign that a chemical reaction has taken place when a metal is placed in acid?
Easy
- ABubbles of gas being released
- BThe metal dissolving completely
- CA change in colour of the metal
- DThe acid becoming warm
35.True or false: Calcium would displace iron from iron oxide.
Easy
- ATrue, because calcium is more reactive than iron
- BFalse, because calcium is less reactive than iron
- CTrue, because calcium is less reactive than iron
- DFalse, because calcium is more reactive than iron
36.In the reactivity series, which two non-metals are often included?
Easy
- ACarbon and hydrogen
- BOxygen and nitrogen
- CCarbon and oxygen
- DHydrogen and nitrogen
37.Which statement correctly describes why a displacement reaction occurs when magnesium is added to copper sulfate?
Medium
- AMagnesium is more reactive than copper
- BCopper is more reactive than magnesium
- CBoth metals are equally reactive
- DCopper sulfate is more reactive than magnesium
38.What colour change indicates that a reaction has occurred when iron is placed into copper sulfate solution?
Medium
- ABlue to green
- BGreen to blue
- CColourless to blue
- DBlue to colourless
39.Complete the word equation: aluminium + iron oxide → ?
Medium
- Aaluminium oxide + iron
- Biron oxide + aluminium
- Caluminium iron + oxide
- Diron + aluminium oxide
40.Why is the reaction between calcium and sodium carbonate not possible?
Hard
- ACalcium is less reactive than sodium
- BSodium is more reactive than calcium
- CCalcium carbonate is insoluble
- DSodium carbonate does not react with metals

Revision notes

## Reactivity Series & Displacement Reactions ### Reactivity Series - Metals can be ordered by how vigorously they react with water or acid. The most reactive metals react strongly, producing bubbles (hydrogen gas). - The **reactivity series** lists metals from most to least reactive. Carbon and hydrogen are often included for prediction. - Example: Magnesium reacts vigorously with acid (many bubbles), copper shows no reaction. ### Displacement Reactions - A more reactive element **displaces** a less reactive element from its compound. - General form: More reactive metal + compound of less reactive metal → compound of more reactive metal + less reactive metal. - Example: iron + copper sulfate → iron sulfate + copper (iron displaces copper because iron is more reactive). - No reaction if the displacing element is less reactive: gold + copper sulfate → no reaction. - Signs of reaction: colour change, gas bubbles, temperature change. ### Key Equations - iron + copper sulfate → iron sulfate + copper - aluminium + iron oxide → aluminium oxide + iron - magnesium + copper sulfate → magnesium sulfate + copper ### Important Points - Displacement only occurs if the element doing the displacing is **more reactive** than the one in the compound. - Carbon can displace metals below it in the series (used in extraction).

Reactivity series: An ordered list of metals (and sometimes carbon and hydrogen) from most reactive to least reactive, based on how vigorously they react with water or acid.
Displacement reaction: A reaction where a more reactive element replaces a less reactive element in a compound.
Displacement: The process where a more reactive metal takes the place of a less reactive metal in a compound.

Flashcards

What is the reactivity series?

The reactivity series is an order of metals (and sometimes carbon and hydrogen) ranked by how reactive they are with water or acids.

How can you test the reactivity of metals?

By placing them in water or acid and observing how vigorously they react, e.g., bubble production.

Which metal is more reactive: magnesium or copper?

Magnesium is more reactive than copper.

What is a displacement reaction?

A reaction where a more reactive element replaces a less reactive element in a compound.

Why does iron displace copper in copper sulfate?

Because iron is more reactive than copper.

Write the word equation for iron displacing copper in copper sulfate.

iron + copper sulfate → iron sulfate + copper

What colour change occurs when iron displaces copper in copper sulfate?

The blue copper sulfate solution turns green (iron sulfate).

Why does gold not displace copper from copper sulfate?

Because gold is less reactive than copper.

Write the word equation for aluminium displacing iron in iron oxide.

aluminium + iron oxide → aluminium oxide + iron

Why are carbon and hydrogen included in the reactivity series?

To help predict what will happen in certain chemical reactions.

Which is more reactive: magnesium or sodium?

Sodium is more reactive than magnesium (based on typical reactivity series, though not explicitly stated in source, but source says magnesium is not more reactive than sodium, so false statement).

True or false: Calcium would displace iron from iron oxide.

True, because calcium is more reactive than iron.

What is one sign of a chemical reaction?

A gas being released (e.g., bubbles) or a colour change.

In the reaction magnesium + copper sulfate → magnesium sulfate + copper, why does displacement occur?

Because magnesium is more reactive than copper.

In the reaction magnesium + copper sulfate, what colour change indicates a reaction?

The blue copper sulfate colour fades and the solution becomes colourless.

In the reaction magnesium + lead nitrate → lead + magnesium nitrate, which metal is more reactive?

Magnesium is more reactive because it displaces lead.

Why is the reaction calcium + sodium carbonate → sodium + calcium carbonate not possible?

Because calcium is less reactive than sodium, so it cannot displace sodium.

Complete: aluminium + iron oxide → ? + ?

aluminium oxide + iron

Complete: magnesium + copper chloride → ? + ?

magnesium chloride + copper

Complete: zinc + iron sulfate → ? + ?

zinc sulfate + iron

What is the least reactive metal shown in the diagram with hydrochloric acid?

Copper (no bubbles).

What is the most reactive metal shown in the diagram with hydrochloric acid?

Magnesium (most bubbles).

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