Activity Series

A more active metal (easily oxidized) will displace a less active one from its compounds.
A reaction, in which one element replaces another in a compound, is sometimes called a single
replacement reaction.
In chemistry, these potential relationships are listed in the activity series chart. An element
that is more easily oxidized will displace one that is less easily oxidized from its compound. For
example, calcium will easily replace silver in a compound. Typical activity series is as follows:
gold
mercury
silver
copper
hydrogen
lead
tin
cobalt
cadmium
iron
chromium
zinc
manganese
aluminum
magnesium
sodium
calcium
strontium
barium
potassium
rubidium
cesium

I
N
C
R
E
A
S
I
N
G

I
N
C
R
E
A
S
I
N
G

EASE
OF

EASE
OF

O
X
I
D
A
T
I
O
N

R
E
D
U
C
T
I
O
N

Au +3
Hg+2
Ag+
Cu+2
H+
Pb+2
Sn+2
Co+2
Cd+2
Fe+2
Cr+3
Zn+2
Mn+2
Al+3
Mg+2
Na+1
Ca+2
Sr+2
Ba+2
K+
Rb+
Cs+

OF THE
ION
Accordingly, this activity series permits us to to make predictions of single replacement reactions
as listed in the following examples.
1.
Fe(s) + CuSO4(aq) CuCs + Fe SO4(aq)
Will it happen?
To determine if this single replacement reaction can occur check the table on the left and
note that iron is below copper. This means that iron (the more active metal) will displace Cu and
the reaction will occur.
2.

3Fe(s) + Al2 (SO4)3 aq 3 Fe SO4 + 2Al(s)

On the activity series chart, iron is above aluminum and therefore, unable to displace
aluminum. This reaction cannot happen.
Indian River State College, ASC
9/10 Rev. 9/18/12 mds/cs N Red disk VV-57

3.
Fe + Mg+2 Fe+2 + Mg(s)
Iron is above Mg+2 on the chart, no reaction can occur.
_________________________________________________________________________________
4.
Cr + Pb+2 Cr+3 + Pb(s)
Chromium is below Pb on the chart, reaction can occur.
First, the above equation must be balanced electrically. The sum total of the charges on the left
side of the equation must equal the sum total of charges on the right side. In addition, the molecular
balance must be achieved. The total of each atom must be the same on each side of the equation.
Note the charge on the left is +2 and on the right side of the equation it is +3. Charges are not
balanced. Look for the least common multiple; 2 x 3 = 6.
To have the same total charge, +6, on both sides, multiply Pb+2 by 3 and Cr+3 by 2.
Cr + 3Pb+2 2Cr+3 + Pb(s)
The charges are now equal. Next, balance the total number of atoms, so they are equal on both
sides of the equation.
2Cr + 3Pb+2 2Cr+3 + 3Pb(s)
__________________________________________________________________________________
5.
Ag(s) + Au+3 Ag+1 + Au(s)
Silver is below gold, a reaction will occur.
Balance the equation, starting with the electrical charges.
Ag(s) + Au+3 3Ag+1 + Au
3Ag(s) + Au+3 3Ag+ + Au(s)

Balance the atoms.

Additional Problems
1.

In terms of activity, the series in increasing order for metals is found to be,
Au < Ag < Cu < Sn < Cd < Zn < Al < Mg < Na < Cs
Which reaction below does not occur spontaneously upon mixing the reagents shown?
A.
Cd(s) + Al3+(aq) Cd2+(aq) + Al(s)
B.
Cd(s) + Cu2+(aq) Cd2+(aq) + Cu(s)
C.
Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s)
D.
Al(s) + Ag+(aq) Al3(aq) + Ag(s)
E.
Cu(s) + Au3+(aq) Cu2+(aq) + Au(s)

2.

The following reactions take place. Which metal is most active?

Co+2 + Cd Co + Cd+2
Cd+2 + Fe Cd + Fe+2
Co+2 + Fe Co + Fe+2
A.

Co

B.

Cd

C.

Fe

Ans. 1A, 2C

Indian River State College, ASC

9/10 Rev. 9/18/12 mds/cs N Red disk VV-57