Why does it seem as if it's commonly understood that a higher electronegativity means reactivity is higher, but the relationship seems exactly opposite when looking at the metal reactivity series?
When considering the metals Cu, Zn, Mg, Na, Sn, Ag, and Cd, sodium (EN = 0.9) is most reactive. Mg (EN = 1.2) is next. Least reactive is Ag (EN = 1.9). This relationship seems pretty consistent for all the metals. As you go down the reactivity series (to less reactive metals), electronegativity increases. However, almost all sources indicate that more electronegative metals are more reactive.
Why the discrepancy? I feel like I'm overlooking something very fundamental, but I need to understand what.
Thank you for your help.