Question 8:
Which of the following metals is the most reactive metal?
SSC-CGL 06/06/2019 (Morning)
A. Copper
B. Calcium
C. Iron
D. Zinc
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Answer:
The correct answer is B. Calcium.
Detailed Solution:
- Reactivity of Metals:
- Reactivity refers to how easily a metal reacts with other substances like water, acids, or oxygen.
- The reactivity series is a list of metals arranged in order of their reactivity, from most reactive to least reactive.
Calcium (Ca)
- Calcium is an alkaline earth metal, and these types of metals are highly reactive.
- It reacts quickly with water to form calcium hydroxide and releases hydrogen gas.
- In the reactivity series, calcium is placed above many other metals, making it more reactive than zinc, iron, and copper.
Other Metals in the Question:
Copper (Cu):
Copper is a less reactive metal.
It does not react easily with water or acids, and that’s why copper is used for making coins and electrical wires.
Iron (Fe):
Iron is more reactive than copper but less reactive than calcium and zinc.
It can react with water and air, causing rust (iron oxide).
Zinc (Zn):
Zinc is more reactive than both copper and iron.
It reacts with acids and can displace less reactive metals in compounds.
Reactivity Series Order (for these metals):
Calcium > Zinc > Iron > Copper.
Key Facts:
- Calcium is used in making cement and as a reducing agent in chemical reactions.
- Iron is the main component of steel.
- Zinc is often used to coat iron to prevent rusting, a process called galvanization.
- Copper is a good conductor of electricity, used in electrical wiring.
Thus, calcium is the most reactive metal among the given options.
