8.3 – Activity Series & Solubility Rules

Activity = ability of an element to react easier an element reacts, the higher the

activity activity series

◦ list of elements organized according to activities◦ listed from highest activity to lowest

metals◦ greater activity = easier to lose electrons◦ i.e. easier to become a cation

nonmetals◦ greater activity = easier to gain electrons◦ i.e. easier to become an anion

used to predict whether single replacement reactions will occur

most active element is higher on list an element can replace anything below it

but not anything above it I will give you a copy of the activity series to

use on test

zinc and hydrochloric acid

calcium and lead (II) nitrate

copper and lithium sulfate

bromine and iron (II) chloride

Used to predict the formation of a precipitate in double replacement reactions

If a compound is listed as “insoluble”, “slightly soluble”, or “marginally soluble”, it will be written as a solid in reaction.

If a compound is listed as “soluble” it will be written as aqueous.

Basic solubility rules can be found on p. 427 of your book (I will give you a copy to use for the test)

Ammonium sulfide & cadmium nitrate

potassium sulfate & barium chloride

sodium nitrate & magnesium sulfate

nickel (II) chloride & lithium hydroxide

How to write formulas How to classify a reaction from the

reactants only◦ Synthesis, decomposition, and combustion

rxns always happen◦ Single replacements only occur if the

activity series says it will◦ Double replacements only occur if the

solubility rules says it will How to predict products How to balance reactions