The more reactive
the metal, the stronger the tendency for it to be in the ionic
state.
For instance, it
will displace the ion of a less reactive metal from a salt solution
converting it into an atom, while itself changing from the atomic
state to an ionic state.
It will also
displace the ion of a less reactive metal from the oxide of the metal
converting into an atom while itself changing from the atomic state
to an ionic state (in the oxide into which it transforms).
The more reactive the metal
the more stable its compound to heat.
–If unstable, the hydroxide
decomposes to the oxide and water.
–The
nitrates either to nitrite and oxygen or oxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxygen.
–Carbonates to oxide and carbon
dioxide.