Here is a link to show you the activity series.
https://chem.libretexts.org/Ancillary_Materials/Reference/Reference_Tables/Electrochemistry_Tables/P3%3A_Activity_Series_of_Metals
This series tells you that the metals at the top of the chart are more reactive than those below. So Li will dispace H or Cu or Ag etc. Any metal will displace any ion BELOW it. For example, 2Na + H2O ==> H2 + 2NaOH tells you that Na will displace H from H2O BECAUSE Na is ABOVE H in the table. Likewise, Cu + 2AgNO3 ==> 2Ag(s) + Cu(NO3)2 becaise Ci os above Ag in the table. You know that 2Ag(s) + Cu(NO3)2 ==> 2AgNO3 + Cu WILL NOT react because Ag is BELOW Cu in the table. So the reaction is spontaneous in the one case and no reaction in the other.
I recommend you Google activity series and read about it. The ones I have read do a good job of explaining, with equations, of what is going on.
Describe how an activity series could be used to
a. determine the reactivity of various metals
b. determine the reactivity of various metal ions
c. determine whether a particular combination of a metal and a solution containing a metal ion would spontaneously react
I don't know if this I just worded weird or if I just don't get it but if someone could explain it to me that would be great because I have no idea what it means, thanks
1 answer