2. Reactivity of metals
All metals have low numbers of electrons in their outermost
shells. To achieve a full octet they need to lose electrons.
3. Reactivity of metals
All metals have low numbers of electrons in their outermost
shells. To achieve a full octet they need to lose electrons.
Na(s) Na+(aq) + e-
4. Reactivity of metals
All metals have low numbers of electrons in their outermost
shells. To achieve a full octet they need to lose electrons.
Na(s) Na+(aq) + e-
Although all metals need to lose electrons, some metals lose
them a lot easier. We say they are more reactive
5. Reactivity of metals
All metals have low numbers of electrons in their outermost
shells. To achieve a full octet they need to lose electrons.
Na(s) Na+(aq) + e-
Although all metals need to lose electrons, some metals lose
them a lot easier. We say they are more reactive
Metals can be ordered by how likely they are to lose electrons.
We call this the reactivity series.
6. Reactivity of metals
potassium
sodium
calcium
magnesium
aluminium
(carbon)
zinc
iron
lead
(hydrogen)
copper
silver
gold
platinum
7. Reactivity of metals
potassium
sodium
calcium
magnesium
increasing reactivity
aluminium
(carbon)
zinc
iron
lead
(hydrogen)
copper
silver
gold
platinum
8. Reactivity of metals
potassium
sodium Metals high in the reactivity
calcium series are very reactive.
magnesium They will very readily lose
increasing reactivity
aluminium electrons to achieve a full
(carbon) outer shell
zinc
iron
lead
(hydrogen)
copper
silver
gold
platinum
9. Reactivity of metals
potassium
sodium Metals high in the reactivity
calcium series are very reactive.
magnesium They will very readily lose
increasing reactivity
aluminium electrons to achieve a full
(carbon) outer shell
zinc
iron
lead
(hydrogen)
copper Metals low in the reactivity
silver series are unreactive. They
gold do not like to lose electrons
platinum
