In the activity series, which statement is true?

• A. A less active metal can displace a more active metal from a compound
• B. Noble metals are always the most reactive
• C. Only nonmetals participate in single-replacement reactions
• D. Metals higher on the activity series are more reactive and can displace less active metals

Answer: (D)

Single-displacement reactions are governed by the activity series, which ranks metals by how readily they lose electrons to form positive ions. The more reactive a metal is, the more willing it is to give up electrons. In these reactions, a metal that sits higher on the series can push a less reactive metal out of a compound, replacing it and forming a new compound with the more reactive metal.

That’s why the statement that metals higher on the activity series are more reactive and can displace less active metals is true. It captures the idea that reactivity increases up the series and drives the displacement outcome.

Note how this differs from the other ideas: a less active metal cannot typically displace a more active one because the driving force isn’t favorable; noble metals are not the most reactive overall—they’re relatively unreactive; and single-displacement reactions commonly involve metals displacing other metals (not exclusively nonmetals), so saying only nonmetals participate isn’t accurate.