The reactivity series puts metals in order of how readily they react. More reactive metals have a greater tendency to form positive ions. Carbon and hydrogen are useful non-metal reference points. The method of extraction is shown beside the series. The grey rows are reference points, not metals.
At room temperature, potassium, sodium and lithium react vigorously with water, forming a metal hydroxide and hydrogen. Potassium is most vigorous of these. Calcium fizzes less vigorously. Magnesium reacts very slowly; zinc, iron and copper show no observable reaction with cold water. These are teacher-led demonstrations.
With the same dilute hydrochloric acid, magnesium reacts faster than zinc, which reacts faster than iron. Hydrogen bubbles form. Copper does not react. Use equal exposed metal area, the same acid concentration and volume, and the same temperature for a fair comparison. Never use potassium or sodium with dilute acid.
Higher in the series means more reactive and more likely to form positive ions.
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