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Reactivity Series

Compare the reactivity of different metals with water and acids

Reactivity Summary

Line: left = displace H from dilute acids; right = do not (below hydrogen).

KNaCaMgAlZnFePbCuHgAgAuPt

Observations

Please select a metal first

HKDSE Tip

  • Reactivity order:
    From most to least reactive: K > Na > Ca > Mg > Al > Zn > Fe > Pb > (H) > Cu > Hg > Ag > Au > Pt. Metals above hydrogen can displace H₂ from dilute acids.
  • Water and steam:
    K and Na react vigorously with cold water; Mg reacts with steam; metals below Mg do not react with cold water.
  • Displacement:
    A more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its salt solution (e.g. Zn displaces Cu from CuSO₄).
  • Oxygen:
    The more vigorously a metal reacts with oxygen, the more readily it loses electrons, and the higher its position in the reactivity series.