Which of the following metals is placed between aluminium and zinc in the reactivity series?

The correct answer is Magnesium.

Key Points

• In the reactivity series, metals are arranged based on their ability to lose electrons and form positive ions.
• Magnesium is placed between aluminium and zinc in the reactivity series due to its chemical properties and reactivity.
• Magnesium is more reactive than aluminium because it loses electrons more easily to form a cation but is less reactive than zinc.
• The reactivity of a metal is determined by its tendency to participate in oxidation-reduction reactions.
• Magnesium is a highly reactive metal that reacts with oxygen to form magnesium oxide (MgO) and with acids to release hydrogen gas.
• It is widely used in applications such as alloys, fireworks, and medicines due to its reactivity and lightweight nature.
• The placement of magnesium in the series makes it an important reference point for understanding the behavior of metals in displacement reactions.

 Additional Information

• Iron
  • Iron is less reactive than magnesium and zinc, which is why it is placed lower in the reactivity series.
  • It is widely used in industries for the production of steel and alloys.
  • Iron reacts with oxygen in moist air to form rust (iron oxide), a process known as corrosion.
• Copper
  • Copper is a low-reactivity metal and is placed much lower in the reactivity series compared to magnesium.
  • It is an excellent conductor of electricity and is commonly used in electrical wiring and electronics.
  • Copper does not react with water or dilute acids under normal conditions.
• Carbon
  • Although carbon is not a metal, it plays a significant role in the reactivity series as a reference for the reduction of metal oxides.
  • It is used in the extraction of metals from their ores through the process of reduction.
  • Carbon is also an essential element in the form of graphite and diamond, which have unique physical properties.