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Reactivity Series - GCSE Chemistry Definition

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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

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Alexandra Brennan

Reviewer: Alexandra Brennan

Expertise: Chemistry Content Creator

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.

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