Group I Metal Activity: Li, K, Na Correlation Explained

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the activity series of metals, specifically the positioning of lithium (Li), potassium (K), and sodium (Na) in relation to their reactions with water. The initial confusion arises from the expectation that the activity series would directly correlate with the energy produced during these reactions. A key point highlighted is the importance of hydration energy, which significantly influences the overall energy dynamics of the reactions. After considering hydration energy, the understanding of the activity series and its implications for reactivity becomes clearer.
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I just noticed that Li is higher on the activity series than K, which is higher than Na. I thought that the activity series was related to the reactions between the group I metals and water, but the series doesn't correspond with the energy produced by the reactions. I'm definitely missing something here, could someone explain the correlation (or maybe lack thereof?)

Hopefully this question makes sense; let me know if it doesn't and I'll try to clarify.
 
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My first reflex (not even trying to check the data) is that you are not including hydration energy in your thinking about the problem. But that's just intuition, I can be wrong.

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Ah, yes, that was the problem. I rechecked it and the hydration energy made it come out more reasonably; thanks for the help.
 
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