The Activity Series (Explanation & Examples)

The Activity Series allows us to predict whether single displacements reactions will take place. For example, if we are asked to predict whether Copper or Zinc will react with Hydrochloric acid (HCl), we can use the activity series.

To determine if a single displacement reaction will take place, we need to look at the reactivity of the elements involved in an Activity Series table. The table is organized form the least to most reactive. More reactive elements will replace less reactive elements in a single replacement reaction.

Since we have a metal replacing another metal the type of reaction is a single displacement reaction (also called a “single replacement” reaction).

Single replacement reactions follow the general form of:
A + BC → B + AC
A and B must be either different metals or halogens (Group 17 on the periodic table).

For example, the reaction Zn + HCl = ZnCl2 + H2, the reaction does take place because Zn is higher than H in the series. But Cu + HCl does not react because Cu is lower than H in the series.

The activity series and single displacement reactions are frequent exam questions and important topics to master.

Chapters
0:00 Activity Series Example
0:31 Zinc + Hydrochloric acid
1:07 Copper and Hydrochloric acid
1:25 Practice Problem
1:57 More Practice with Activity Series