Question
Which is the most reactive of these metals? magnesium iron copper
Answer
4.1
(261 Votes)
Violet
Veteran · Tutor for 10 years
Answer
magnesium.
Explanation
The reactivity of metals is determined by how readily they lose their valence electrons to form positive ions. The more easily a metal can lose its valence electrons, the more reactive it is. In the given list, "magnesium", "iron", and "copper", according to the reactivity series, magnesium is the most reactive metal. Magnesium, being an alkaline earth metal, readily loses its two valence electrons to form a positive ion. This is due to its atomic structure, which has two electrons in its outer shell that it is eager to lose in order to gain stability. On the other hand, iron and copper are less reactive as they struggle more to lose their valence electrons due to their atomic structure involving more filled energy sub-levels. Iron loses 3 electrons while copper loses 2 electrons to form positive ions. Therefore, based on the reactivity series, magnesium is the most reactive among the three metals.