The classification of metals according to their chemical activity

The metals and chemical activity

Metals can be classified according to their chemical activity into three groups which are very active metals, less active metals, and inactive metals.

Very active metals

Activity series of metals

Activity series of metals

Very active metals are metals which react with oxygen as soon as being exposed to humid air, so they lose their metallic luster such as sodium and potassium, Sodium and potassium are kept under kerosene surface to prevent their reaction with the atmospheric oxygen.

Less active metals

Less active metals are the metals that react with oxygen if they left in the air for some days and a layer of rust is formed such as iron, aluminum and copper.

Copper is low in the activity series .

Copper is low in the activity series.

Steel bridges and the holders of light bulbs are painted from time to time to protect them from rust and corrosion.

Metallic spare parts of cars are covered with grease to protect them from rust and corrosion, Washing of cooking pans are made of aluminum with a rough material to remove any layer formed on them.

Inactive metals
Gold and silver are very inactive

Gold and silver are very inactive

Inactive metals are metals that find great difficulty to react with oxygen such as silver, platinum, nickel, gold and chromium.

Silver and gold are used in making jewels because silver and gold are chemically poor active.

Nickel, gold and silver are used to cover other substances that rapidly gain rust to protect them from the corrosion.

Modern periodic table and classification of Elements

 Radius property, Ionization potential, Electron affinity & Electronegativity

Metallic & nonmetallic property, Acidic & basic property in the periodic table

Chemical combination, Properties of Metals, Nonmetals & Noble (inert) gases

Physical & Chemical properties of Matter (Density, Melting point, Boiling point, Hardness, Electric & thermal conduction)

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