Chapter U5.18, Problem 1TAI

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The metal atoms that are most easily oxidized needs to be determined.

Concept introduction: The activity series of metal in the order of increasing reactivity is,

Gold < Silver < Mercury < Bismuth < Antimony < Hydrogen < Lead < Tin < Nickel < Cobalt < Cadmium < Iron < Chromium < Zinc < Manganese < Aluminium < Calcium < Strontium < Barium < Lithium < Sodium < Potassium

Answer to Problem 1TAI

The metals which give up their electrons are easily oxidized. Such metals are more active than other metals.

Explanation of Solution

The activity series of metal is,

Gold < Silver < Mercury < Bismuth < Antimony < Hydrogen < Lead < Tin < Nickel < Cobalt < Cadmium < Iron < Chromium < Zinc < Manganese < Aluminium < Calcium < Strontium < Barium < Lithium < Sodium < Potassium

This reactivity series implies that a metal with high reactivity can displace a metal with a low reactivity. A metal high in the activity series reacts vigorously with compounds and gives up electrons to form positive ions easily and also easily undergoes corrosion.

The activity of a metal can be studied or identified when that metal is combined with another metal cation. The more active metal easily loses an electron and displaces the less active metal in the compound. The metal displaced gets reduced.

Conclusion

Such metals which give up their electrons are easily oxidized.