Tag: Metal reactivity

According to the activity series of metals, zinc is more reactive than mercury, allowing it to displace mercury from its compounds under the right conditions. This chemical phenomenon, known as a single-displacement reaction, is a key principle in inorganic chemistry that explains why zinc metal can be used to isolate mercury from a solution of one of its salts.

According to a 2025 study, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can reduce the potency and effectiveness of magnesium supplements. This fact prompts a critical question for both consumers and engineers: does heat ruin magnesium in its various forms?

According to the reactivity series, magnesium is substantially more reactive than copper, meaning it can readily displace copper from a compound. This chemical principle is why putting magnesium into a copper sulfate solution causes a visible and immediate reaction, demonstrating that magnesium can indeed displace copper.

Calcium is the fifth most abundant element in the Earth's crust and a highly reactive alkaline earth metal. So, what happens when calcium is treated with other substances? The outcome is a series of fascinating chemical reactions that are fundamental to understanding inorganic chemistry and its many applications.

Rusting is an undesirable phenomenon that causes an estimated $300 billion in damage annually in the United States alone, highlighting the importance of understanding what does iron react badly with. Iron, being a chemically active metal, readily undergoes oxidation when exposed to specific elements and compounds, leading to its degradation.