Study Guides/Chemistry/Most Reactive Metal
Study Guide · Chemistry

What is the Most Reactive Metal?

In Chemistry, the Reactivity Series (Activity Series) ranks metals from most reactive to least reactive. The position of a metal determines how it reacts with water, acids, and oxygen.

Question (Click to Flip)

Why is sodium stored in kerosene?

Answer

Sodium (Na) is highly reactive and reacts violently with water and even atmospheric moisture. Storing it in kerosene (an organic liquid) prevents contact with water or air.

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Key Facts

The least reactive metals — Gold (Au) and Platinum (Pt) — are found in nature in their pure form because they don't react with air or water.

The Most Reactive Metals

Among commonly studied metals:

  • Most reactive in the lab: Potassium (K) — It reacts so violently with water that it catches fire and explodes.
  • Most reactive overall: Caesium (Cs) — Even more reactive than Potassium, but rarely used in school chemistry.
  • Francium (Fr) is theoretically the most reactive metal on the periodic table, but it is radioactive and exists in trace amounts only.

Reactivity Series (Top to Bottom)

Potassium (K) > Sodium (Na) > Calcium (Ca) > Magnesium (Mg) > Aluminium (Al) > Zinc (Zn) > Iron (Fe) > Lead (Pb) > Copper (Cu) > Silver (Ag) > Gold (Au)

Memory trick: Please Send Cat Milk And Zinc Food Long Cats Sit Gouping

Questions and Answers

Why is sodium stored in kerosene?+

Sodium (Na) is highly reactive and reacts violently with water and even atmospheric moisture. Storing it in kerosene (an organic liquid) prevents contact with water or air.

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