An Activity Series - AP Chemistry Classic Laboratory Kit

By: The Flinn Staff


Classic AP Requirement #20—Determination of an Electrochemical Series

Students study a series of metals and nonmetals to determine their relative reactivity, then rank them according to their reactivity in an activity series. First, the reactivity of the metals are determined by reacting a series of metals with metal salt solutions. Second, the reactivity of the halogens are determined by reacting each of the halogens with a halide solution. Based on the observed reactivity in each case, students develop a separate activity series for the metals and the halogens. Students understand why some metals can "replace" other metals, and why some redox reactions are spontaneous while others require a battery. Students also learn that the reactivity for the halogens is opposite that for the other families in the periodic table.

Complete for 24 students working in pairs.

Materials Supplied:
Bromine water
Chlorine water
Copper metal
Copper(II) nitrate solution
Iodine crystals
Lead metal
Lead nitrate solution
Magnesium metal
Magnesium nitrate solution
Mineral oil
Potassium iodide solution
Sodium bromide solution
Sodium chloride solution
Silver nitrate solution
Zinc metal
Zinc nitrate solution