In a standard reactivity series, which item is not a metal?

In a standard reactivity series, which item is not a metal?

• A. Potassium
• B. Carbon
• C. Zinc
• D. Iron

Answer: (B)

This question tests your ability to distinguish metals from non-metals in the reactivity series. The reactivity series lists metals by how readily they lose electrons to form positive ions and participate in displacement reactions. Carbon is a non-metal, not a metal, so it does not belong in the metal reactivity series. Potassium, zinc, and iron are all metals and sit in the series according to their tendency to lose electrons. Carbon can act as a reducing agent in metallurgy (for example, reducing metal oxides), but that doesn’t make it a metal. Therefore, the non-metal in the set is carbon.

This question tests your ability to distinguish metals from non-metals in the reactivity series. The reactivity series lists metals by how readily they lose electrons to form positive ions and participate in displacement reactions. Carbon is a non-metal, not a metal, so it does not belong in the metal reactivity series. Potassium, zinc, and iron are all metals and sit in the series according to their tendency to lose electrons. Carbon can act as a reducing agent in metallurgy (for example, reducing metal oxides), but that doesn’t make it a metal. Therefore, the non-metal in the set is carbon.