The Reactivity Series of Metals
This lesson covers the Reactivity Series of metals, exploring why some metals are more reactive than others based on their ability to form positive ions. Students will learn to predict displacement reactions and identify trends in reactions with water and acids.
Learning objectives
- Recall the order of the reactivity series for common metals including Carbon and Hydrogen.
- Predict whether a displacement reaction will occur based on the positions of metals in the series.
- Explain reactivity in terms of the tendency of metal atoms to form positive ions.
- Write word and balanced symbol equations for reactions of metals with water and dilute acids.
Lesson plan (60 minutes)
Introduction · 5 min
Do Now: Students rank five familiar metals (e.g., Gold, Iron, Magnesium) by how 'reactive' they think they are.
Direct Instruction · 15 min
Teacher Explainer: Using the teaching section to introduce the series, the role of electrons, and displacement.
Guided Practice · 10 min
Demonstration/Video: Observe reactions of Calcium, Magnesium, and Copper with water or dilute acid.
Independent Practice · 20 min
Worksheet Activity: Students complete the differentiated tasks (Support, Core, or Stretch).
Plenary · 10 min
Knowledge Check: 8-question multiple-choice quiz to assess learning.
Key vocabulary
- Reactivity Series
- A list of metals in order of their chemical reactivity.
- Displacement Reaction
- A reaction where a more reactive element takes the place of a less reactive element in a compound.
- Ion吹
- An atom that has lost or gained electrons and now carries a charge.
- Oxidation
- The loss of electrons.
- Reduction
- The gain of electrons.
Core worksheet (first questions)
- 1. Explain the relationship between a metal's position in the reactivity series and its ability to form positive ions.
- 2. Define a 'displacement reaction'.
- 3. Predict the word equation for the reaction between Zinc and Copper Sulfate. Explain your reasoning.
- 4. Write a word equation for the reaction between Magnesium and Hydrochloric acid.
Quiz (sample)
1. Which of the following metals is the least reactive?
- A. Potassium
- B. Iron吹
- C. Magnesium
- D. Gold
2. Which pair will result in a displacement reaction?吹
- A. Magnesium + Iron sulfate
- B. Copper + Zinc nitrate吹
- C. Silver + Copper chloride
- D. Iron + Magnesium oxide
3. What gas is produced when a reactive metal reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid?
- A. Oxygen
- B. Carbon Dioxide吹
- C. Hydrogen
- D. Nitrogen
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