The activity series of metals is a list that ranks metals based on their reactivity, with the most reactive metals at the top and the least reactive at the bottom. This reactivity plays a role in how likely a metal is to corrode or react with substances like sweat, which contains water, salts, and other compounds.
Metals higher in the activity series, such as copper, brass (an alloy of copper and zinc), or nickel, are more likely to react with compounds found in sweat. The reaction between these metals and sweat can lead to the formation of salts and oxides that leave stains or greenish color on your skin.
On the other hand, metals lower in the activity series, such as gold, platinum, or stainless steel, do not react as easily with sweat. As a result, these metals are less likely to leave stains on your skin. Sterling silver, while not extremely low in the activity series, is less reactive than copper or brass, and any tarnishing it causes can usually be easily cleaned.
That is why jewelry made from higher quality, less reactive metals like gold, platinum or stainless steel is less likely to cause staining or irritation when worn.
Some pieces of jewelry react with compounds in sweat. The reaction can leave stains on your skin. Not all jewelry has this effect. Use the activity series of metals to explain this observation.
please help
1 answer
1 answer