Activity Series

Rucete ✏ Chemistry In a Nutshell

1. What Is the Activity Series?

• The activity series is a list of metals arranged by their ability to displace hydrogen from acids or water, or to replace other metals in compounds.
• It reflects their relative reactivity.
• The more active a metal, the more easily it is oxidized (loses electrons).

2. Reference Point: Hydrogen

• Hydrogen is the baseline element.
• Metals above hydrogen in the series can displace H⁺ from acids → they are stronger reducing agents.
• Metals below hydrogen cannot displace hydrogen → weaker reducing agents.

3. Reactivity Based on Position

Very Active Metals (Highly Electropositive)

• React with water and acids easily.
• High tendency to lose electrons.
• Examples: Li, Na, K

Moderately Active Metals

• React with acids but not water.
• Still have relatively low electronegativity.
• Examples: Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Sn

Less Active / Inactive Metals (Electronegative)

• Do not react with water or acids under normal conditions.
• Poor reducing agents; less likely to lose electrons.
• Examples: Pb, Hg, Au, Pt

4. Relationship to Standard Reduction Potentials

• Activity series aligns with standard electrode potentials:
• More negative E° → more reactive metal (better at being oxidized).
• More positive E° → less reactive metal.