C3.2 Metals and oxygen

Question 1

What are state symbols?

Answer 1

A state symbol gives the state of a substance in a chemical

equation. (s) means solid, (l) means liquid, (g) means gas, and
(aq) means dissolved in water.

Question 2

Define ‘reactive’.

Answer 2

If a substance is reactive, it reacts vigorously with substances such as dilute acids and water.

Question 3

What is the general word equation of a metal reacting with oxygen?

Answer 3

Metal + Oxygen -> Metal oxide

Question 4

Name an example of a metal that burns vigorously in oxygen.

Answer 4

Magnesium burns vigorously oxygen.

Question 5

Name an example of a metal that form an oxide layer on their surface when heated.

Answer 5

E.g copper forms an oxide layer on its surface when heated.

Question 6

Name an example of a metal that is unreactive in oxygen.

Answer 6

E.g Gold does not react with oxygen.

Question 7

What is the pattern between the reactions of metals in oxygen vs metals in dilute acids?

Answer 7

Metals that react vigorously in oxygen also react vigorously in air. Metals that do not react with dilute acids do not react with oxygen.

Question 8

Define ‘unreactive’.

Answer 8

If a substance is unreactive, it will not react with substances such as dilute acids and water.