Reactivity series is an arrangement of metals and non-metals based on their tendencies to react with certain tendencies. Hydrogen is included in the series as many reactions of these metals, such as potassium, involve water and a hydroxide is formed. Reactivity is the tendency of chemical substances to form products by itself. The trio sit in the same column within the transition metal hood. Iron oxide + carbon → iron + carbon dioxide The Trio of Unreactive Metals And the least reactive metals we need to know are copper, silver, and gold. Hi I am Science teacher of many years and with the experience of having taught in four different countries. If the metal being extracted is lower than carbon in the series, such as iron, the carbon will displace it and the result will be If the answer you have written is not right, change it to the. You may have to read through some of the page before you find the answer. This reaction is irreversible, as copper isn’t reactive enough to be able to displace the magnesium.Ĭarbon is included in the series because carbon is used in the extraction of several metals from their ores (ores are usually metal oxides). The best way to remember the information in this chapter is to get a pen and paper and write down your answers before clicking on the Answer link which will take you to the correct page. Copper is less reactive than magnesium, and so it has been displaced by magnesium to form magnesium oxide and copper. All metals higher in the series will displace a metal lower than it from a compound. Displacement means that one of the elements has been pushed out of the compound it was in and replaced by a more reactive element (hence, displaced). (b) Furthermore, carbon is cheap and easily available. Therefore, carbon can easily reduce the oxide of these metals. Carbon is widely used in the extraction of zinc, iron, tin and lead for a number of reasons: (a) First of all, carbon is more reactive than zinc, iron, tin and lead. Magnesium + copper(II) oxide → magnesium oxide + copper In extracting metals, carbon in the form of coke is used.