Question

Differentiate between Activity series and Electrochemical series

Answer 1

The reactivity series is a list of metals (often with hydrogen and carbon added) based on their ability to reduce other chemicals in some unspecific way. As this reducing power varies depending on the conditions and the specific type of reaction, reactivity series as reported in different books may not be in exactly the same order (although they are likely to be very similar). 

The electrochemical series is a list of all reducing agents (including metals of course) based on their ability to produce a negative potential in an electrochemical cell under standard conditions (1atm, 298K, 1.0M). This is well-defined and will give a specific order. 

The 'reactivity series' is therfore likely to list metals in the same order as the electrochemical series but there may be some small discrepancies between the two