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Which of the following is the most reactive metal in the reactivity series?
Gold
Zinc
Potassium
Sodium
Potassium
Potassium is the most reactive metal among the options provided, belonging to the group of highly reactive alkali metals. In the reactivity series, metals are arranged in decreasing order of their tendency to lose electrons to form positive ions, and potassium sits at the very top.
Potassium is the most reactive metal among the options provided, belonging to the group of highly reactive alkali metals. In the reactivity series, metals are arranged in decreasing order of their tendency to lose electrons to form positive ions, and potassium sits at the very top.
Think of the reactivity series as a 'giving' competition; Potassium is the most 'generous' donor, instantly handing over its electron to anyone who asks, whereas Gold is the 'miserly' one that refuses to give away its electrons, staying stable and shiny forever.
Please Stop Calling Me A Careless Zebra Instead Try Learning How Copper Saves Gold. (P-S-C-M-A-C-Z-I-T-L-H-C-S-G: Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, Aluminium, Carbon, Zinc, Iron, Tin, Lead, Hydrogen, Copper, Silver, Gold).
2K+2H2тАЛOтЖТ2KOH+H2тАЛтЖС тАФ Rapid reaction of Potassium with water
KтЖТK++eтИТ тАФ Ionization process representing high reactivity
The reactivity of metals is determined by their ionization energy and electrode potential. Metals like potassium (K) and sodium (Na) have a very low ionization energy because they have one valence electron, which they readily lose to achieve a stable octet. This leads to extremely rapid chemical reactions with oxygen, water, and acids.
Potassium is highly reactive and is stored in kerosene to prevent reaction with atmospheric moisture.
The reactivity series is a guide for predicting displacement reactions.
Sodium is also very reactive but slightly less so than Potassium due to higher effective nuclear charge.
Gold is at the bottom of the reactivity series, meaning it is the least reactive and often found in a native state.
Used in chemical research and synthesis
Essential biological nutrient in electrolytes
Standard Electrode Potential (E0) for K+/K is approximately тИТ2.93V, indicating its strong tendency to be oxidized.
Option A (Gold) is the least reactive metal listed.
Option B (Zinc) is moderately reactive.
Option D (Sodium) is highly reactive but less so than Potassium.
C is correct тАФ Potassium is the most reactive metal in the given set because it has the highest tendency to lose its valence electron.
Always remember the top 3 of the reactivity series: Potassium, Sodium, and Calcium. They are so reactive that they react with cold water!