Order of Reactivity (Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry)

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The reactivity series

Carbon and the reactivity series mnemonic

  • Carbon is an important element and has its own place on the reactivity series
  • Its use in the extraction of metals from their oxides and a more complete reactivity series with an accompanying mnemonic to help you memorise it is below

The reactivity series mnemonic

  • “Please send lions, cats, monkeys and cute zebras into hot countries signed Gordon”

Reactivity series mnemonic table

Metal Abbreviation
Most reactive  
Potassium P - Please
Sodium S- Send
Lithium L - Lions
Calcium C - Cats
Magnesium M - Monkeys
Aluminium A - And
Carbon C - Cute
Zinc Z - Zebras
Iron I - Into
Hydrogen H - Hot
Copper C - Countries
Silver S - Signed
Gold G - Gordon
Least reactive  



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Stewart

Author: Stewart

Expertise: Chemistry Lead

Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Exam Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.