Summary of Reactivity of
Metals and Action of Heat on Their Compounds
Generally compounds of
very reactive metals such as sodium and potassium
are more stable to heat than the metals lower down
in the reactivity series of metals.
Reactivity Series for Metal
Action of heat on hydroxides
Action of heat on carbonates
Action of heat on nitrates
Most reactive
K
Na
Ca
Mg
Al
Zn
Fe
Pb
Cu
Least reactive
Stable, does not decompose on
heating
Stable, does not decompose on
heating
Decompose to metal nitrite +
oxygen
Decompose to metal oxide + steam
Decompose to metal oxide + carbon
dioxide
Decompose to metal oxide + oxygen
+ nitrogen dioxide
