Revision notes · Chemistry
The reactivity series orders metals: K > Na > Li > Ca > Mg > Al > C > Zn > Fe > H > Cu > Ag > Au.
More reactive metals displace less reactive ones from compounds. Metals above carbon: extracted by electrolysis. Metals below carbon: extracted by reduction with carbon.
Recycling metals saves energy, conserves finite ore resources, and reduces landfill.
Oxidation is the loss of electrons (or gain of oxygen). Reduction is the gain of electrons (or loss of oxygen). In displacement reactions, the more reactive metal is oxidised while the less reactive metal ion is reduced.