Final Answer:
Metal W is the most reactive among the four metals, thus the correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reactivity series of metals is a ranking that indicates the relative reactivity of different metals based on their tendency to undergo displacement reactions. In this case, by examining the results of the displacement reactions performed by the student using metals W and X and solutions of salts of metals W, X, Y, and Z, it can be deduced that metal W is the most reactive among the given options (option A).
When a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its salt solution, it suggests that the more reactive metal has a higher tendency to form compounds compared to the metal it displaces. From the table, if metal W displaces metals X, Y, and Z from their salt solutions, it indicates that metal W is more reactive than metals X, Y, and Z.
The observed reactions are in line with the reactivity trend, indicating that metal W has a greater tendency to undergo displacement reactions with the salts of metals X, Y, and Z. This implies that metal W is the most reactive among the options provided.
The reactivity of metals is fundamentally related to their position in the periodic table and is influenced by factors such as atomic structure, electronegativity, and ionization energy. Metals higher in the reactivity series tend to lose electrons more readily, exhibiting greater reactivity in displacement reactions compared to metals lower in the series. Therefore, based on the displacement reactions conducted, metal W is identified as the most reactive among metals W, X, Y, and Z.