Reactivity series of metals

Reactivity series is an empirical series of metals in order of their reactivity from highest to lowest.

In the reactivity series of metals, going from bottom to top,1. the metals increase in reactivity 2.lose electrons more readily to form positive ions 3.corrode or tarnish more readily 4.require more energy (and different methods) to be separated from their ores 5.become stronger reducing agents.

 The most active metal, potassium, is at the top of the list and the least reactive metal, gold, is at the bottom of the list.

The greater the ease with which an element loses its electrons and acquires a positive charge, the greater is its reactivity. Further, the greater the number of shells and lesser the number of valence electrons, the greater is the reactivity of the metal.