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The reactivity series

High importanceUsually 2 marks a paper · mostly MCQs and case-based questions · asked in 4 of the last papers

Notes are being written

The board questions below are real and complete — they come from the CBSE papers themselves. The written notes for this topic are still being prepared.

Board questions on this topic

5 from the CBSE papers we hold — the exact wording the board used.

2026MCQ·1 mark·Q21

Which one of the following metals does not react with cold water?

  1. (a) Sodium
  2. (b) Potassium
  3. (c) Calcium
  4. (d) Magnesium

2025Short answer·3 marks·Q28(b)

(i) Name two metals which react violently with cold water. List any three observations which a student notes when these metal are dropped in a beaker containing water. (ii) Write a test to identify the gas evolved (if any) during the reaction of these metals with water.

2024Case based·2 marks·Q37(iii)(B)

electrolytic refining of impure copper.

You have two beakers 'A' and 'B' containing copper sulphate solution. What would you observe after about 2 hours if you dip a strip of zinc in beaker 'A' and a strip of silver in beaker 'B'? Give reason for your observations in each case.

2023Assertion-Reason·1 mark·Q17

Assertion (A): The colour of aqueous solution of copper sulphate turns colourless when a piece of lead is added to it. Reason (R): Lead is more reactive than copper, and hence displaces copper from its salt solution. Options:

  1. (a) Both
  2. (b) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
  3. (c) Both
  4. (d) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
  5. (e) is true, but (R) is false.
  6. (f) is false, but (R) is true.

2023MCQ·1 mark·Q5

A metal 'X' is used in thermite process. When X is burnt in air it gives an amphoteric oxide 'Y'. 'X' and 'Y' are respectively:

  1. (a) Fe and Fe_2O_3
  2. (b) Al and Al_2O_3
  3. (c) Fe and Fe_3O_4
  4. (d) Al and Al_3O_4