Virtual Lab: Activity Series Background: The usefulness of metals in

The usefulness of metals in structural and other applications depends on their physical and chemical
properties. Although iron is the most common metal used in manufacturing, it must be protected against
corrosion because rusts easily. Copper is used in electrical wiring because it conducts electricity extremely well and resists corrosion better than many metals. Gold is a highly valuable jewelry metal because it is essentially unreactive. How can we determine the relative reactivity of different metals?

To determine the activity of metals you can compare the reactions of metals with different
metal ions. Consider equation 1 and 2 below: 

2Al(s) + 3CuCl2(aq)  –>   2AlCl3(aq) + 3Cu(s)    (Equation 1)

Cu(s)  + AlCl3(aq)     –>    No Reaction             (Equation 2)

The reaction of aluminum with copper (II) chloride (Equation 1) is classified as a single replacement reaction – aluminum reacts with and “replaces” copper ions in copper (II) chloride. Single replacement reactions will occur spontaneously in one direction only (compare Equations 1 and 2). A more active metal always replaces the ion of a less active metal. In general, the activity of a metal may be defined as follows:

An active metal will react with a compound of a less active metal, which is converted to its “free element” form. The more active metal forms a new compound containing metal cations. Based on Equation 1, aluminum is more active than copper and therefore replaces the copper (this is called a single replacement reaction). 

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Objective:

-To explore the reactivity of metals 
-To practice writing single replacement reactions
-To practice using the activity series chart in your reference table

Procedure:

1.  Click on the link below or copy and paste it into your browser.
​teachchemistry.org/classroom-resources/metals-in-aqueous-solutions-simulation
2.  Click Activity 1.
3.  Click CONTINUE at the bottom.  
4.  Pick Mg metal and click CONTINUE.
5.  Click on each beaker to see the “molecular scale”
6.  In data table 1,  if a reaction occurred, write “reaction.” If no reaction occurs write “no reaction”.
7.  In table 2, write the balanced equations for the reactions that occured.  (Hint: these are single replacement reactions)
8.  Now repeat steps 1-7 for the next three metals (Cu, Zn and Ag).

Questions:

1.  Which of the metals reacted with the most solutions?

2.  Which of the metals reacted with the fewest solutions?

3.  List the 4 Metals in order from the most reactive to the least reactive.

4.  Refer to table J in your reference table.  This is the activity series which lists the most reactive metals on top and the least reactive on the bottom.  Compare your answer to question #3 with the activity series.  Are your results in the same order?  Why?  (Click here for Table J)

5.  If we added Pb to the list, which of the solutions would you expect it to react with?