What are the salient features of the activity series?

1.	What are the salient features of the activity series?
Answer» Salient features: 1. Any metal which is placed higher up in the series can displace any metal below it in order to from the salt solution of the later metal. 2. The larger the difference in the position of metals in the series, the more rapidly does the displacement take place. 3. Metals which are placed above hydrogen in the series have the ability to reduce ions from dilute sulphuric acid to liberate hydrogen gas. 4. Oxides of metals K, Na, Ca and Mg cannot be reduced by H₂, CO or C. 5. Oxides and nitrates of less reactive metals Hg, Ag and Au decompose to give metals on being strongly heated. 6. Metals below copper such as mercury, silver, platinum and gold do not rust easily. 7. Hydrogen though a non-metal, has been included in the series. It occupies the position based on its formation of positive ions.

Answer»

Salient features:

1. Any metal which is placed higher up in the series can displace any metal below it in order to from the salt solution of the later metal.

2. The larger the difference in the position of metals in the series, the more rapidly does the displacement take place.

3. Metals which are placed above hydrogen in the series have the ability to reduce ions from dilute sulphuric acid to liberate hydrogen gas.

4. Oxides of metals K, Na, Ca and Mg cannot be reduced by H₂, CO or C.

5. Oxides and nitrates of less reactive metals Hg, Ag and Au decompose to give metals on being strongly heated.

6. Metals below copper such as mercury, silver, platinum and gold do not rust easily.

7. Hydrogen though a non-metal, has been included in the series. It occupies the position based on its formation of positive ions.

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