What is the reactivity series?

The reactivity series is a list of metals ranked in order of their chemical reactivity. A more reactive metal will displace a less reactive metal from its compound in a single displacement reaction (e.g. Zinc displacing Copper).

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Core Study Guide

Chemical Reactions

The rearrangement of atoms during chemical changes.

Chemical reactions break old chemical bonds and form new ones, transforming starting reactants into ending products.

This unit covers the law of conservation of mass, balancing chemical equations, and classifying reactions (synthesis, decomposition, displacement, combustion).

Key Takeaways

•Matter cannot be created or destroyed; equations must contain equal atom counts on both sides.
•Displacement reactions depend on the metal reactivity series.
•Combustion reactions combine hydrocarbons with oxygen to produce CO2 and H2O.

Core Concepts & Definitions

1Reaction Classification

Chemical changes are grouped into five primary formats.

•Synthesis: A + B -> AB.

•Decomposition: AB -> A + B.

•Single Displacement: A + BC -> AC + B.

•Double Displacement: AB + CD -> AD + CB.

•Combustion: Fuel + O2 -> CO2 + H2O.

Quick Revision Notes

•Catalysts increase the rate of reaction by lowering the activation energy barrier without being consumed.
•Precipitation occurs when an insoluble solid forms and falls out of an aqueous mixture.