Understanding the Metal Activity Series
The metal activity series ranks metals according to their reactivity, with the most reactive metals at the top and the least reactive at the bottom. This series is crucial in predicting how metals will react during chemical reactions, especially in displacement reactions.
Key Points about the Activity Series:
- Order of Reactivity: The general order of reactivity among common metals is as follows:
- Potassium (K)
- Sodium (Na)
- Calcium (Ca)
- Magnesium (Mg)
- Aluminum (Al)
- Zinc (Zn)
- Iron (Fe)
- Tin (Sn)
- Lead (Pb)
- Copper (Cu)
- Silver (Ag)
- Gold (Au)
- Reactivity Implications: Metals higher in the series can displace metals lower in the series from their compounds. For example, zinc can displace copper and silver from their salts due to its higher position in the series.
Explanation of the Correct Answer:
- Comparative Reactivity: In the given options, the correct order is Zn > Cu > Ag. This indicates:
- Zinc (Zn) is more reactive than both copper (Cu) and silver (Ag).
- Copper is more reactive than silver.
- Displacement Reactions: Since Zn can displace both Cu and Ag from their compounds, it confirms that Zn is more reactive. Conversely, Cu cannot displace Zn, and Ag cannot displace either Zn or Cu.
Conclusion:
Thus, option D (Zn > Cu > Ag) accurately reflects the reactivity of these metals according to the activity series, making it the correct answer. Understanding this hierarchy is essential for predicting metal behavior in chemical reactions, an important aspect of topics like electrochemistry in NEET preparation.