Background: Some metals are more reactive than others. By comparing how different metals react
with the known ions in aqueous solutions, an activity series for tested materials can be developed.
As called for in Procedure Section-#2, please record your data in the table provided. NOTE: Calcium
Nitrate (Ca(NO3)2) will be used instead of Aluminum Nitrate. Be careful! Calcium should be handled
with care, and use tongs or transport.
Zn(NO3)2
Cu(NO3)2
Ca(NO3)2
Mg(NO3)2
Cu
Ca
Mg
Zn
Analyze and Conclude
Question 1: Observe and Infer
A. In which wells of the reaction plate did chemical reactions occur?
_________________________________________________________________________________________
B. Which metal reacted with the most solutions? ____________________
C. Which metal reacted with the fewest solutions? ____________________
D. Which metal is the most reactive? _______________________
Question 2: Sequence
A. The most-active metal reacted with the most solutions. The least-active metal reacted with the
fewest solutions. Order the four metals (no nitrate) from most active to least active:
Most Active
1.______
2. ______
3. ______
4. ______
Least Active
5. Search online for an activity series for metals. How does your activity series listed above
compare? ______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
What could account for any differences? _________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Question 3: Apply
A. Write a chemical equation for at least 2 of the single-replacement chemical reactions that
occurred on your reactin plate.
Reaction 1:
Reaction 2:
+
+
Reactant(s)
Product(s)
+
+
Reactant(s)
Product(s)
Question 4: Real World Chemistry
A. Provide at least one scenario n which it might be important to know and apply the activity
series of metals. Be Specific! _________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________