Reducing Strengths of Metals

Classifying Metals Based on Activity
The metals are often divided into four classes on the basis of their activity, as shown in the table below.
Common Metals Divided into Classes on the Basis of Their Activity





Class I Metals: The Active Metals

Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs (Group IA)

Ca, Sr, Ba (Group IIA)

Class II Metals: The Less Active Metals

Mg, Al, Zn, Mn

Class III Metals: The Structural Metals

Cr, Fe, Sn, Pb, Cu

Class IV Metals: The Coinage Metals

Ag, Au, Pt, Hg
The most active metals are so reactive that they readily combine with the O2 and H2O vapor in the atmosphere and are therefore stored under an inert liquid, such as mineral oil. These metals are found exclusively in Groups IA and IIA of the periodic table.
Metals in the second class are slightly less active. They don't react with water at room temperature, but they react rapidly with acids.
The third class contains metals such as chromium, iron, tin, and lead, which react only with strong acids. It also contains even less active metals such as copper, which only dissolves when treated with acids that can oxidize the metal.
Metals in the fourth class are so unreactive they are essentially inert at room temperature. These metals are ideal for making jewelry or coins because they do not react with the vast majority of the substances with which they come into daily contact. As a result, they are often called the "coinage metals."

there is a simple method for you .

prepare solution of the four metal salt. for example, metal nitrate.

and also prepare a small piece of the four metals.

try to put different metal pieces into their solution.

when displacement occurs, it means the metal has higher reducing

power than the other metal.