IB Chemistry II
Activity Series of Metals Lab
Problem: What is the order of reactivity of the metals copper, iron, magnesium, and zinc in single
displacement reactions?
Materials:
 Wellplate/Spotplate
 Small pieces of magnesium, iron, zinc and copper metal
 Dilute solutions of hydrochloric acid, copper (II) sulfate, zinc chloride, magnesium chloride, iron (III)
sulfate
 Wash bottle with distilled water
Safety:
 Wear goggles.
 Hydrochloric acid is corrosive.
 Dispose of chemicals in the waste beaker.
Procedure:
1. Record the appearance of each metal.
2. Using the well plate, combine each type of metal with each solution and with water. Put enough drops of
the appropriate solution to completely cover the piece of metal.
3. Record any changes in appearance due to a chemical reaction. In reactions of metal with acid, look
carefully for the formation of bubbles. If you are unsure about any observations, repeat the experiment in a
small test tube. This allows you to better observe the reaction. Look for colour changes on the surface of
the shiny part of the metal or in the solution. Remember that some reactions are slow (take a long time) and
you need to carefully observe them.
5. Clean all spot plates and test tubes and repeat Steps #1 and #2 for each of the other three metals. When
finished, you will have attempted 20 different reactions (20 trials)
6. Dispose of the solutions in the waste beaker supplied by the teacher. Do not pour anything down the
drain.
Observations:
For each single displacement reaction, make your observations in the chart below. If you believe that a
reaction has occurred, write “R” on the observation chart. If you believe that no reaction has occurred, write
“NR” on the observation chart
H2O (cold and
HCl(aq)
CuSO4 (aq)
ZnCl2(aq)
MgCl2(aq)
Fe2(SO4)3(aq)
distilled)
Cu
Zn
Mg
Fe
Analyze and Interpret
1. a) Write a chemical equation for each single displacement reaction recorded in your observation
table. Include the predicted placement of lithium in your ranking.
b) Rank the metals you tested in order of reactivity, beginning with the most reactive metal. Include
lithium in your ranking.
Keep in mind that hydrogen is a diatomic element.
***If no reaction occurs, write NR. Use the chart provided below or develop one of your own.
Metals that displace other metals)
Metals that Displace
hydrogen from acids
Metals that displace
hydrogen from cold
water
Activity Series
(list metals below)
Most Reactive
(rank)
Least Reactive
1. Many people use copper piping to route water through their homes. Explain why magnesium or
aluminum could not be used.
2. From the following displacement reactions, arrange these hypothetical
chemicals in order of decreasing activity (most to least reactive):
A + B+  A+ + B
C + B+  no reaction
D + C+  D+ + C
F + G+  no reaction
A + F+  no reaction
F + D+  F + + D
D + B+  no reaction
G + A+  G+ + A
3.
Complete the summary as described by Ms. Hall.