explain how to use the activity series to predict chemical behavior

Answer 1

Metals in the activity series will displace any ION BELOW it. For example:
Al metal is above Cu in the activity series; therefore, the following reaction will occur.
2Al(s) + 3Cu^Cl2(aq) ==> 3Cu(s) + 2AlCl3+(aq)
But Cu metal is below H in the activity series; therefore, the following reaction will not occur.
Cu(s) + 2HCl(aq) ==> CuCl2(aq) + H2(g)