Question

On what factor does the reactivity of a metal depend and why?

Answer 1

1. The reactivity of a metal depends on its tendency to lose valence electrons, i.e., its tendency to get oxidised. The greater the tendency of a metal to undergo oxidation, the more reactive it is.
2. Metals at the top of the electrochemical series have the lowest (most negative) standard reduction potentials, which means they have the highest oxidation potentials and lose electrons readily. Thus, they are more reactive metals.