4.1 Reactivity of metals

Question 1

What is the reactivity series of
metals?

Answer 1

The series shows the metals in order of their reactivity.

Question 2

What are the trends in
reactivities of metals in reactions
with acids/water?

Answer 2

Metals above H2
in the reactivity series react with acids to produce H2. The more reactive the metal is, the quicker and more violent reaction with acid occurs. Metals below H2 don’t react with acids.

Not all metals above H2 react with water - mostly Group I and II metals. Aluminium
is the borderline case.

Question 3

What is a displacement
reaction?

Answer 3

A reaction where a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from a compound

Question 4

How are unreactive metals
found in Earth?

Answer 4

In their natural state as they don’t form compounds

Question 5

How can metals less reactive than carbon be
extracted?

Answer 5

Reduction with carbon. Carbon displaces the metal in a metal oxide - gets oxidised to carbon oxides. Metal from the metal oxide gets reduced to the pure
metal.

Question 6

How are metals more reactive
than carbon extracted?

Answer 6

By electrolysis

Question 7

What is the general equation for a reaction between metals and acids? What type of reaction is
this?

Answer 7

Metal + acid → salt + hydrogen

Redox reaction, also a displacement reaction

Question 8

Which metals in the reactivity
series will react with acid?

Answer 8

Those above hydrogen

Question 9

What is the general equation for the reaction between metal
carbonate and acid?

Answer 9

Metal carbonate + acid → salt + water + carbon dioxide

Question 10

What is the general equation for the reaction between metal oxides and acids?

Answer 10

Metal oxide + acid → a salt + water