Single Replacement and the

Activity Series
Solution Mg(s) Zn(s) Fe(s) Cu(s) Sn(s) Pb(s)

Mg(NO3)2(aq) x x x x - x

Zn(NO3)2(aq)  x x x - x

Fe(NO3)2(aq)   x x - x

Cu(NO3)2(aq)    x - 

SnCl4 (aq)    x x x

Pb(NO3)2(aq)    x - x

Figure 1.1 Single Replacement Reaction and Activity Series

Single Replacement and the
Activity Series

Metal Total number

of reactions
Mg(s) 5
Zn(s) 4
Fe(s) 3
Pb(s) 2
Cu(s) 0

Figure 1.2 Frequency of the number of reactions

Key points: The higher the number of reactions occurred, the higher the reactivity of the metal
 CORROSION OF
METALS
Observation
Unbent Nail Pink Color is observable around the nail except on its tip/end- which
is colorless.
Bent Nail Pink Color is observable around the nail except on its tip/end and
head which both have blue color.
Nail with Copper Pink Color is observable around the nail except on its tip/end and
Wire head which both have blue color.
Nail with Zinc Strip Pink Color is observable around the nail except on its tip/end- which
is colorless.

FIGURE 2. REACTION OF METALS TO THE AGAR-AGAR SOLUTION

 CORROSION OF METALS:
CONCEPT

IN the presence of moisture, an oxidation reaction takes place on the

energized area of the metal (anode). A reduction takes place on low
energy area (cathode).

On the metal surface, oxidation on anode and reduction on cathode

proceed in equal rates and metal corrosion takes place. Normally,
corrosion of metal occurs on anode.
CORROSION OF METALS:
CONCEPT
Head EVIDENCE:
location of blue areas in the gel where
Fe2+ ions were produced. Oxidation
originates at points on the nail that
have been “stressed” in the
manufacturing process because
metalworking causes dislocation of
iron atoms and creates defects in the
crystal structure.
TIP/END
 CORROSION OF METALS:
CONCEPT

the nail covered in copper has higher corrosion

because lower REACTIVITY metal accepts electrons
from iron to speed up the rusting process.

On the other hand, zinc has oxidised into Zn2+ ions

leaving the nail with no corrosion because connecting a
metal higher in the series protects from corrosion.