Question

what is metal activity series? state its significance

Answer 1

The arrangement of metals in decreasing order of their reactivity is called activity series of metals.
It helps in the extraction of metals.
The method used for a particular metal for the reduction of its ore to the metal depends mainly on the position of the metal in the activity series.
Eg: (i) ''Electrolysis of fused compounds'' is the method used for extraction of metals at the top of the activity series.
(ii) For the extraction of metals in the middle of the activity series,different reducing methods like roasting,auto reduction and thermite process etc., are used.
(iii) For the extraction of metals at the bottom of the activity series,reduction by 'heating' and 'displacement from their aqua solution' methods are used.
K>Na>Ca>Mg>Al>Zn>Fe>Pb>Cu>Ag>Au.