Activity Series of Common Metals Metal Oxide Reactions Oxides of these metals do not produce the metal when reacted with Hydrogen gas (ex. K2O + H2 à No reaction) Oxides of these metals produce the metal when reacted with Hydrogen gas (ex. PbO + H2 à H2O + Pb) Oxides of these metals are produced very slowly, if at all. Oxides are decomposed by heat. Reactions with water & acids Li K
Ba
Sr
Ca Na Mg Al Mn Zn Cr
Fe
Cd Co
Ni
Sn
Pb H Sb As
Bi Cu Hg Ag Pd
Pt Au Reacts with cold water to produce H2 (Replace 1/2 the hydrogen in cold water to produce a metallic hydroxide & hydrogen gas) ** A more active metal can reduce a less active metal ** Nonmetal Activity Series F2 > Cl2 > O2 > Br2 > I2 > S > P (red)
(ex. 2 Na + 2 H2O à 2 NaOH + H2) Reacts with steam to produce H2. (ex. 2 Zn + 2 H2O à 2 ZnOH + H2) Reacts with Acids to produce Hydrogen gas (ex. Ni + 2 HCl à NiCl2 + H2) React with O2 to produce oxides (ex. 2Ca + O2 à 2CaO) Requires very strong acids to dissolve