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Glossary

Reactivity Series: GCSE Chemistry Definition

Alexandra Brennan

Written by: Alexandra Brennan

Reviewed by: Philippa Platt

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Contents

  1. 1. What is the reactivity series?
  2. 2. Reactivity Series Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

What is the reactivity series?

The reactivity series is a list of metals arranged in order of their reactivity, from the most to the least reactive. It helps predict how metals will react with substances like water, acids, and oxygen.

For example, highly reactive metals like potassium and sodium react violently with water, while less reactive metals like copper and gold do not react with acids. The series also determines how metals can be extracted from their ores, with more reactive metals requiring electrolysis and less reactive ones being reduced with carbon. Understanding the reactivity series is crucial in GCSE Chemistry for topics such as displacement reactions, corrosion, and metal extraction.

Reactivity series chart with elements from most to least reactive: Potassium, Sodium, Lithium, Calcium, Magnesium, Aluminium, Carbon, Zinc, Iron, Hydrogen, Copper, Silver, Gold.
The reactivity series of metals

Reactivity Series Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

For more information about the reactivity series check out the following resources:

Explore our GCSE Chemistry Revision Resources.

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Author
Reviewer
Alexandra Brennan

Author: Alexandra Brennan

Expertise: Chemistry

Alex studied Biochemistry at Newcastle University before embarking upon a career in teaching. With nearly 10 years of teaching experience, Alex has had several roles including Chemistry/Science Teacher, Head of Science and Examiner for AQA and Edexcel. Alex’s passion for creating engaging content that enables students to succeed in exams drove her to pursue a career outside of the classroom at SME.

Philippa Platt

Author: Philippa Platt

Expertise: Chemistry

Philippa has worked as a GCSE and A level chemistry teacher and tutor for over thirteen years. She studied chemistry and sport science at Loughborough University graduating in 2007 having also completed her PGCE in science. Throughout her time as a teacher she was incharge of a boarding house for five years and coached many teams in a variety of sports. When not producing resources with the chemistry team, Philippa enjoys being active outside with her young family and is a very keen gardener

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