Lab: Relative Reactivities of Metals
In this activity, you will investigate the reactivities of the metals Ag, Cu, Mg, and Zn with the solutions
silver nitrate, AgNO3, copper nitrate, Cu(NO3)2, magnesium nitrate, Mg(NO3)2, and zinc nitrate,
Zn(NO3)2.
YOU MUST WEAR LAB GLASSES. AVOID CONTACT WITH SILVER NITRATE SOLUTION,
WHICH WILL STAIN YOUR SKIN AND CLOTHING.
1. Devise an orderly procedure that will allow you to observe the reaction (if any) between each
metal and each of the four solutions. You will conduct each reaction in a separate well of your
wellplate, using ten drops of solution and a small piece of metal. Think carefully about how many
different combinations of metals and solutions will you need to observe. USE ONLY A
MATCHHEAD SIZED SAMPLE OF EACH METAL.
2. BEFORE YOU START, prepare a data table to help you organize the observations and results of
the procedure you devise. Remember to have a control for unreacted metal: since none of these
metals reacts with water, use water as one of your test solutions.
3. Have the teacher check your data table.
4. Complete your planned procedure. Wait five minutes to allow reactions to occur. If no
reaction is observed, write NR in the table. Record the observed changes if a reaction occurs
(e.g. black ppt means a black precipitate formed).
5. Dispose of your samples in the dishpan. Return your trays to the teacher.
6. Wash your hands thoroughly before leaving the lab.
Materials
Wellplate
Tweezers
Ag(s)
Cu(s)
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Mg(s)
Zn(s)
AgNO3(aq)
Cu(NO3)2(aq)
Mg(NO3)2(aq)
Zn(NO3)2(aq)
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Data



Label what metal or solution you placed in each row and column.
Wait 5 minutes after mixing.
Record observations/evidence of reaction (write NR for no reaction).
1
2
3
4
5
6
A
B
C
D
Questions
1. Which metal was most reactive and reacted with the most solutions?
2. Which metal was least reactive and reacted with the fewest solutions?
3. List the metals in order, placing the most reactive metal first (the one reacting with the most
solutions) and the least reactive metal last (the one reacting with the fewest solutions).
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4. Refer to your “metal activity series” list of Question 3. Write a brief explanation of why the outside
surface of a penny is made of copper instead of zinc.
5. a. Which of the four metals mentioned in this lab might be an even better choice than copper for
the outside surface of a penny? Why?
b. Why do you think that metal is not used for that purpose?
6. Given your new knowledge about the relative chemical activities of the four metals tested,
a. which metal is most likely to be found in an uncombined, or “free,” (metallic) state in nature?
b. which metal is most likely to be found chemically combined with other elements?
7. Although silver is a relatively unreactive metal, silver tarnishes on exposure to chemicals in the air,
especially sulfur-containing compounds. This is why you shouldn’t use silver spoons for foods
containing eggs, which cause the formation of Ag2S by this reaction:
2Ag(s) + H2S  Ag2S + H2
Polishing with commercial silver polish removes the tarnish by abrasion, but this removes some of
the silver each time you polish. However, tarnish can also be removed by reaction with a metal
more active than silver. Which of the following equations shows a chemical means of removing
silver tarnish? (Hint: which metal do you think is more active than Ag, Al or Au?)
3 Ag2S + 2 Al  Al2S3 + 6 Ag
3 Ag2S + 2 Au  Au2S3 + 6 Ag
8. Silver is the most electrically conductive metal found; gold is slightly less
conductive than silver. Stereo stores promote “monster cables” with goldplated contacts. Why don’t they sell silver-plated cables?
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How is a chemical reaction analogous to a dance?
Miguel and Allie have been a couple forever. They go to the Homecoming dance, expecting to have a
good time. But Matt, the hot new man in town, makes a move and replaces Miguel.
Matt + Miguel-Allie → Matt-Allie + Miguel
Zn
+
CuCl2
→
ZnCl2
+ Cu
This is analogous to the reaction shown above: Zn, the more active metal, replaces Cu, the less
active metal (for now, don’t worry that it is CuCl2 and there aren’t two “Allies”). When all is done, the
more active metal, Zn, ends up combined with another element, while the less active metal, Cu, is
uncombined.
9. For each of the following pairs of elements, underline the more active metal that would replace the
less active metal in a compound.
a. calcium, tin
d. iron, copper
b. aluminum, magnesium
e. silver, lead
c. zinc, sodium
f.
manganese, lead
10. For each of the following reactants, use the activity series to determine whether the reaction would
take place (Y) or not (NR).
a. 3Li(s) + Fe(NO3)3(aq)  3LiNO3 + Fe
_____________
b. Au(s) + AlCl3(aq)  AuCl3 + Al
_____________
c. 3Cu(s) + 2Al(NO3)3(aq)  3Cu(NO3)2 + 2Al _____________
d. Ni(s) + SnCl2(aq)  NiCl2 + Sn
_____________
e. ZnCl2(aq) + 2Ag(s)  Zn+ 2AgCl
_____________
f. NiCl2(aq) + Zn  ZnCl2 + Ni
_____________
g. Mg(s) + Sn(NO3)2  Mg(NO3)2
_____________
h. PtCl4(aq) + 2Cu(s)  2CuCl2 + Pt
_____________
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