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In this experiment we will determine the relative reactivity of 4 metals:

Copper, Iron, Zinc, and Magnesium

In order to determine the relative reactivity of each metal we will carry out displacement reactions by reacting each metal with a solution of another metal ion. If the metal is more reactive than the metal in a solution (present as an ion), then a displacement reaction will occur and we will observe a change in the reaction.

Apparatus and chemicals

• Test-tube rack
• Test-tubes x3
• Copper(II) sulfate solution (0.5 mol/dm³)
• Magnesium sulfate solution (0.5 mol/dm³)
• Zinc sulfate solution (0.5 mol/dm³)
• Iron(II) sulfate solution (0.5 mol/dm³)
• Pieces of copper foil (3 small pieces approx. 1 cm²)
• Zinc (3 small granules or pieces of foil approx. 1 cm²)
• Iron (3 small ungalvanised nails)
• Magnesium ribbon (3 small pieces 1 cm length)