The reactivity series of metals
The reactivity seriesA list of elements in order of their reactivity, usually from most reactive to least reactive. of metalShiny element that is a good conductor of electricity and heat, and which forms basic oxides. lists metals in order of decreasing reactivityA measure of how vigorously a substance will react. The more reactive it is, the greater its reactivity and the more vigorous its reactions will be.. In general, the more reactiveThe tendency of a substance to undergo a chemical reaction. a metal is, the more vigorous its reactions are. The reactivity series can be used to make predictions about how fast a metal reacts or whether it will displaceTake the place of another substance in a chemical reaction. For example, a metal can displace a less reactive metal from its oxide, removing oxide ions from the less reactive metal and becoming an oxide itself. another metal from a compoundA substance formed by the chemical union of two or more elements..
The table summarises some reactions of metals in the reactivity series. Hydrogen is shown for comparison.
Question
Platinum is placed below gold in the reactivity series. Predict its reaction with dilute acids and explain your answer.
Platinum will not react with dilute acids. Metals below hydrogen in the reactivity series do not react with dilute acids, and both gold and platinum are placed below hydrogen.
Learn more on the reactivity series of metals in this podcast.
Listen to the full series on 大象传媒 Sounds.
Explaining reactivity
When metals react with non-metalElement that is a poor conductor of electricity and heat, and which forms acidic oxides., they form ionic compoundAn ionic compound occurs when a negative ion (an atom that has gained an electron) joins with a positive ion (an atom that has lost an electron).. Each metal atomThe smallest part of an element that can exist. loses one or more electronSubatomic particle, with a negative charge and a negligible mass relative to protons and neutrons. to become a cationAn atom or group of atoms that have lost electrons and become positively charged. Most cations are formed from metals.. The more easily a metal loses electrons, the more reactive it is.