Reactivity of metals and non-metals exercise

1. Explain why potassium metal is more reactive than sodium metal

even though they are both in group I.
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2. Zinc metal is placed in a solution of silver nitrate. Would a chemical

reaction occur? Give a reason for your answer and if a reaction does
occur, suggest an equation for the reaction.

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3. Chlorine gas is bubbled into a solution of fluoride ions. Would a

displacement reaction occur? Give a reason for your answer.

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4. Based on the results of the table which shows whether a displacement
reaction occurred with the combinations of metals W, X, Y and Z with
the various metal ion solutions. Answer the questions which follow.
NA means not applicable

Ions of metal Ions of metal Ions of metal Ions of metal

W X Y Z
Metal W NA displacement No reaction displacement
Metal X No reaction NA No reaction displacement
Metal Y displacement displacement NA displacement
Metal Z No reaction No reaction No reaction NA

a) Which is the most reactive metal?

b) Which is the least reactive metal?

c) Give the order of reactivity of the metals W, X, Y and Z starting with

the least reactive metal.

d) All metals form ions with a 2+ charge. Write an ionic equation for
ANY displacement reaction.

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NB Read the handout on alloys in order to answer this question

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