The Activity Series Predicting Spontaneous Redox Reactions

16-5 The Activity Series Predicting Spontaneous Redox Reactions 

As we have seen, redox reactions depend on the gaining of electrons by one substance and the losing of electrons by another. Is there a way to predict whether a particular redox reaction will spontaneously occur Suppose we knew that substance A has a greater tendency to lose electrons than substance B (A is more easily oxidized than B). Then we could predict that if we mix A with cations of B, a redox reaction would occur in which A loses its electrons (A is oxidized) to the cations of B (B cations are reduced). For example. Mg has a greater tendency to lose electrons than Cu. Consequently, if we put solid Mg into a solution containing Cu ions. Mg is oxidized and Cu is reduced. 

No reaction occurs because, as we said previously. Mg atoms have a greater tendency to lose electrons than do Cu atoms Cu atoms will therefore not lose electrons to Mg ions. 

Most reactive Most easily oxidized Strongest tendency to lose electrons 

Least reactive Most difficult to oxidize Least tendency to lose electrons 

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Oxidation and Reduction Some Definitions 578 16.5 The Activity Series Predicting Spontaneous Redox Reactions 589 16.7 Electrolysis Using Electricity to Do Chemistry 597... 

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