(b) Which of the following reactions would you expect to occur according to the activity series you established in part (a)?

Key Concepts

Activity Series

The activity series is a list of metals ranked by their reactivity from highest to lowest. It helps predict whether a metal will displace another in a chemical reaction. More reactive metals can replace less reactive ones in compounds, which is crucial for understanding single displacement reactions.

Single Displacement Reactions

Single displacement reactions occur when one element replaces another in a compound. The general form is A + BC → AC + B, where A is a more reactive element displacing B from the compound BC. Understanding this type of reaction is essential for applying the activity series to predict reaction outcomes.

Reactivity of Metals

The reactivity of metals is influenced by their ability to lose electrons and form positive ions. Factors such as atomic size, ionization energy, and electronegativity play a role in determining a metal's reactivity. This concept is vital for interpreting the activity series and predicting which reactions will occur.