Question

Metal X lies between zinc and iron in the reactivity series.
Which statements about metal X are correct?
a.It reacts with steam to produce hydrogen gas.
b.It does not react with steam but it will produce hydrogen with dilute acid.
c.The metal can be obtained from its oxide by heating strongly with charcoal.
d.The metal oxide cannot be reduced using carbon.

Answer 1

All that you must know is that the series of metals based on their reactivity from highest to lowest is the reactive series. The reactivity series of the metals can be defined as a series of the metals, from highest to lowest in order of reactivity this is also known as the activity series.

Complete answer:
In the reactivity series, the metal X lies in between iron and zinc, which is above hydrogen but below carbon.
To produce hydrogen gas hence it can react with steam and by heating strongly with charcoal (carbon).
Can also be obtained from its oxide.
Therefore statements $1$ and $3$ are correct.
Zinc is more reactive than the other as it has the ability to displace iron, copper from their respective salt solutions.
Iron is more reactive when compared to Cu as it has the ability to displace copper from its salt solution. In an aqueous solution of$\;Al2\left( {SO4} \right)3$ when any of the metals from zinc, iron, aluminium, and copper is placed there will be no reaction occurs.

The correct option is (A) $1$ and $3$.

Note:
Due to their electronic configuration or because of their incomplete outer orbitals the reactivity of metals takes place. As the metals have tended to lose electrons they form positively charged ions. Metals with high atomic numbers tend to be more reactive as their electrons are far from the positively charged nucleus. By this, they can be removed easily.