Which Reaction Will Most Likely Take Place Based On The Activity Series?Activity Series: $ I \ \textgreater \ K \ \textgreater \ Ba \ \textgreater \ Ca \ \textgreater \ Na \ \textgreater \ Mn \ \textgreater \ Zn \ \textgreater \ Cr \

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Which Reaction Will Most Likely Take Place Based on the Activity Series?

Understanding the Activity Series

The activity series, also known as the reactivity series, is a list of metals arranged in order of their reactivity from highest to lowest. This series is used to predict the outcome of single displacement reactions, where one metal displaces another metal from a compound. The activity series is a fundamental concept in chemistry, and it helps us understand the reactivity of different metals.

The Activity Series: A List of Metals in Order of Reactivity

The activity series is as follows:

  1. Potassium (K)
  2. Sodium (Na)
  3. Calcium (Ca)
  4. Barium (Ba)
  5. Magnesium (Mg)
  6. Aluminum (Al)
  7. Zinc (Zn)
  8. Iron (Fe)
  9. Tin (Sn)
  10. Lead (Pb)
  11. Copper (Cu)
  12. Mercury (Hg)
  13. Silver (Ag)
  14. Gold (Au)
  15. Platinum (Pt)
  16. Palladium (Pd)
  17. Rhodium (Rh)
  18. Iridium (Ir)
  19. Osmium (Os)
  20. Ruthenium (Ru)

Predicting the Outcome of Single Displacement Reactions

To predict the outcome of a single displacement reaction, we need to compare the reactivity of the two metals involved. If the metal on the left side of the activity series is more reactive than the metal on the right side, it will displace the metal on the right side from a compound. Conversely, if the metal on the right side is more reactive, it will not be displaced.

Example 1: Displacement of Zinc by Sodium

Let's consider an example where sodium (Na) displaces zinc (Zn) from a compound. According to the activity series, sodium is more reactive than zinc. Therefore, we can predict that sodium will displace zinc from a compound.

Na (s) + ZnCl2 (aq) → NaCl (aq) + Zn (s)

In this reaction, sodium displaces zinc from zinc chloride (ZnCl2) to form sodium chloride (NaCl) and zinc metal (Zn).

Example 2: Displacement of Copper by Zinc

Now, let's consider an example where zinc (Zn) displaces copper (Cu) from a compound. According to the activity series, zinc is more reactive than copper. Therefore, we can predict that zinc will displace copper from a compound.

Zn (s) + CuSO4 (aq) → ZnSO4 (aq) + Cu (s)

In this reaction, zinc displaces copper from copper sulfate (CuSO4) to form zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and copper metal (Cu).

Which Reaction Will Most Likely Take Place?

Based on the activity series, we can predict the outcome of a single displacement reaction by comparing the reactivity of the two metals involved. If the metal on the left side of the activity series is more reactive than the metal on the right side, it will displace the metal on the right side from a compound.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the activity series is a fundamental concept in chemistry that helps us understand the reactivity of different metals. By comparing the reactivity of two metals, we can predict the outcome of a single displacement reaction. The activity series is a useful tool for predicting the outcome of chemical reactions and understanding the behavior of metals in different compounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: What is the activity series? A: The activity series, also known as the reactivity series, is a list of metals arranged in order of their reactivity from highest to lowest.
  • Q: How is the activity series used? A: The activity series is used to predict the outcome of single displacement reactions, where one metal displaces another metal from a compound.
  • Q: What are the most reactive metals in the activity series? A: The most reactive metals in the activity series are potassium (K), sodium (Na), and calcium (Ca).
  • Q: What are the least reactive metals in the activity series? A: The least reactive metals in the activity series are gold (Au), platinum (Pt), and osmium (Os).

References

  • "Chemistry: An Atoms First Approach" by Steven S. Zumdahl
  • "General Chemistry: Principles and Modern Applications" by Linus Pauling
  • "Chemistry: The Central Science" by Theodore L. Brown

Additional Resources

  • "Activity Series" by Khan Academy
  • "Reactivity Series" by BBC Bitesize
  • "Single Displacement Reactions" by Chemistry LibreTexts
    Q&A: Activity Series and Single Displacement Reactions

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: What is the activity series? A: The activity series, also known as the reactivity series, is a list of metals arranged in order of their reactivity from highest to lowest. It is a fundamental concept in chemistry that helps us understand the reactivity of different metals.
  • Q: How is the activity series used? A: The activity series is used to predict the outcome of single displacement reactions, where one metal displaces another metal from a compound. By comparing the reactivity of two metals, we can predict the outcome of a single displacement reaction.
  • Q: What are the most reactive metals in the activity series? A: The most reactive metals in the activity series are potassium (K), sodium (Na), and calcium (Ca). These metals are highly reactive and tend to lose electrons easily.
  • Q: What are the least reactive metals in the activity series? A: The least reactive metals in the activity series are gold (Au), platinum (Pt), and osmium (Os). These metals are highly unreactive and tend to gain electrons easily.
  • Q: How do I determine the outcome of a single displacement reaction? A: To determine the outcome of a single displacement reaction, you need to compare the reactivity of the two metals involved. If the metal on the left side of the activity series is more reactive than the metal on the right side, it will displace the metal on the right side from a compound.
  • Q: What is the difference between a single displacement reaction and a double displacement reaction? A: A single displacement reaction is a reaction where one metal displaces another metal from a compound, while a double displacement reaction is a reaction where two compounds exchange partners.
  • Q: Can I use the activity series to predict the outcome of a double displacement reaction? A: No, the activity series is only used to predict the outcome of single displacement reactions. For double displacement reactions, you need to use a different method, such as the solubility rules.
  • Q: How do I write a balanced equation for a single displacement reaction? A: To write a balanced equation for a single displacement reaction, you need to identify the reactants and products, and then balance the equation using the law of conservation of mass.
  • Q: What is the law of conservation of mass? A: The law of conservation of mass states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. This means that the total mass of the reactants must be equal to the total mass of the products.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Mistake 1: Not comparing the reactivity of the two metals involved A: Make sure to compare the reactivity of the two metals involved in a single displacement reaction before predicting the outcome.
  • Mistake 2: Not balancing the equation A: Make sure to balance the equation for a single displacement reaction using the law of conservation of mass.
  • Mistake 3: Not considering the solubility of the compounds involved A: Make sure to consider the solubility of the compounds involved in a single displacement reaction, as this can affect the outcome of the reaction.

Tips and Tricks

  • Tip 1: Use the activity series to predict the outcome of single displacement reactions A: The activity series is a useful tool for predicting the outcome of single displacement reactions.
  • Tip 2: Balance the equation carefully A: Make sure to balance the equation for a single displacement reaction carefully, using the law of conservation of mass.
  • Tip 3: Consider the solubility of the compounds involved A: Make sure to consider the solubility of the compounds involved in a single displacement reaction, as this can affect the outcome of the reaction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the activity series is a fundamental concept in chemistry that helps us understand the reactivity of different metals. By comparing the reactivity of two metals, we can predict the outcome of a single displacement reaction. Remember to use the activity series to predict the outcome of single displacement reactions, balance the equation carefully, and consider the solubility of the compounds involved.