Pick a Metal (Reactant) and a Metal Ion (in Solution), and the Activity Series Calculator will predict whether a displacement reaction occurs — giving you the Balanced Equation, plus the Activity Ranks of both the metal and ion to show exactly why the reaction does or doesn't happen.
Reaction Prediction
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Metal Activity Rank
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Ion Metal Activity Rank
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Balanced Equation
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The activity series is a list of metals arranged in order of decreasing reactivity or ease of oxidation. Metals higher in the series can displace metals lower in the series from their compounds in solution.
A displacement reaction occurs when a more reactive metal (higher in the activity series) is placed with a less reactive metal ion (lower in the series). The more reactive metal will lose electrons and displace the less reactive metal.
These metals are at the bottom of the activity series, meaning they are very unreactive and resist oxidation. This makes them durable and valuable for jewelry and industrial applications.
Metals above hydrogen in the activity series will react with acids to produce hydrogen gas and a metal salt. Metals below hydrogen (like copper, silver, gold) will not react with most acids.
No, displacement reactions only occur when a more reactive metal encounters a less reactive metal ion. The reverse reaction is not thermodynamically favorable.
Hydrogen serves as a reference point. Metals above hydrogen can displace hydrogen from acids, while metals below hydrogen cannot react with acids to produce hydrogen gas.