Use the reactivity series to answer the question.

Question

An illustration shows many elements in a downward arrow with the element at the bottom being least unreactive and the element at the top being most reactive.

In a replacement reaction, which metal would replace aluminum?

(1 point)
Responses

copper
copper

zinc
zinc

gold
gold

sodium
sodium
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Answer 1

In a replacement reaction, a more reactive metal can displace a less reactive metal from its compound. Aluminum is a fairly reactive metal, so we need to identify which of the given metals is more reactive than aluminum.

The reactivity series of metals (from most reactive to least reactive) typically includes:

1. Potassium
2. Sodium
3. Calcium
4. Magnesium
5. Aluminum
6. Zinc
7. Iron
8. Copper
9. Silver
10. Gold

From the options provided (copper, zinc, gold, sodium):

• Copper is less reactive than aluminum.
• Zinc is more reactive than aluminum.
• Gold is much less reactive than aluminum.
• Sodium is significantly more reactive than aluminum.

Thus, both zinc and sodium would be able to replace aluminum. However, you would typically consider the most reactive one in the context of displacement reactions. Since sodium is the most reactive of the options provided, it would be the metal that could replace aluminum.

Answer: sodium