Which of the following represents the correct order of reactivity for the given metals?
(a) Na > Mg > Al > Cu
(b) Mg > Na > Al > Cu
(c) Na > Mg > Cu > Al
(d) Mg > Al > Na > Cu
Answers
(c) Na > Mg > Cu > Al
There is the order of reactivity of metals and in order to remember this order, one has to recite this order in any possible simple form. The order of reactivity of metals is as follows, Potassium > Sodium > Lithium > Calcium > Magnesium > Aluminium > Zinc > Iron > Copper > Silver > Gold. Here we can clearly see the order of reactivity of the given metals.
The correct order of reactivity or the given metals is represented by (a) Na > Mg > Al > Cu.
The reactivity of metals is obtained by performing displacement reactions.
After these experiments, a series of metals in decreasing order of their reactivity is made. This series is called the reactivity series or activity series.
Reactivity Series:
K > Na > Ca > Mg > Al > Zn > Fe > Pb > H > Cu > Hg > Ag > Au
The metals at the top in activity sries cannot be found in free state in nature as their reactivity is high and they exist in the form of ores.
Metals from potassium to aluminium are highly reactive. Metals like zinc, iron, lead, etc are moderately reactive while silver and gold have very low reactivity.