Which metal is more reactive, magnesium or zinc?

During the reaction: the more reactive metal gradually disappears as it forms a solution; the less reactive metal coats the surface of the more reactive metal ... Magnesium displaces three metals, zinc displaces two metals, iron displaces one metal and copper does not displace any of the other three metals. read more

Therefore magnesium is more reactive as it forms a compound more quickly and stronger which displaces zinc during a displacement reaction. for example when u burn MG and ZN in air they both are fighting for the OXIDE to make an oxide compound (either zinc oxide or magnesium oxide) as the magnesium is more reactive and higher in the reactivty series it overpowers the zinc and displaces it to form a compound with the oxide which is called Magnesium oxide leaving the zinc on its own. read more

Magnesium displaces three metals, zinc displaces two metals, iron displaces one metal and copper does not displace any of the other three metals. So, the order of reactivity, starting with the most reactive first, is: magnesium; zinc; iron; copper; Displacement reactions can also involve metal oxides. read more