Which one among the following metals is more reactive than hydrogen?

The reactivity series of metals ranks elements based on their ability to lose electrons and displace other elements. Hydrogen is often included as a reference point to distinguish between metals that can displace hydrogen from acids or water and those that cannot [t2, t6]. According to the activity series, metals such as potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and tin (Sn) are positioned above hydrogen, meaning they are more reactive than it [c1, t3]. Conversely, metals like copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), silver (Ag), gold (Au), and platinum (Pt) are located below hydrogen in the series, indicating they are less reactive [c1, t3, t7]. Among the given options, mercury, copper, and silver are all less reactive than hydrogen, while tin is the only metal listed that is more reactive than hydrogen [t3].

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Metals and Non-metals > 3.2.5 The Reactivity Series > p. 45