Chemical Changes: The Reactivity Series (DONE)

Question 1

What is the mnemonic for the reactivity series?

Answer 1

The mnemonic for the reactivity series is:

Please - Potassium
Send - Sodium
Lions - Lithium
Cats - Calcium
Monkeys - Magnesium
And - Aluminium
Zebras - Zinc
Into - Iron
Lovely - Lead
Hot - Hydrogen (non-metal)
Countries - Copper
Signed - Silver
General - Gold
Penguin - Platinum

The metals and non metals get less reactive as you move down the reactivity series.

Question 2

What is formed when any metals reacts with water? (2)

Answer 2

When a metal reacts with water a metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas are formed.

Example:
potassium + water → potassium hydroxide + hydrogen

Question 3

Write the word equation of the reaction between sodium and water:

Answer 3

The reaction between sodium and water is as follows:

Sodium + water → sodium hydroxide + hydrogen

Question 4

What is the reactivity series?

Answer 4

A reactivity series is a chart that lists metals and non metals in order of decreasing reactivity. It’s used to summarize information about how metals react with acids and water.

Question 5

What happens when metals react explain in terms of electrons?

Answer 5

When metals react they loose electrons to form positive ions.

(also known as cations)

Question 6

What does the reactivity of a metal depend on?

Answer 6

The reactivity of a metal depends on its ability to lose electrons and form a positive ion.

Question 7

Write the word equation for the reaction between lithium and water:

Answer 7

Lithium + water → lithium hydroxide + hydrogen

Question 8

This shows potassium reacting and forming a positive ion K↑+ and loosing one electron:

K → K↑+ ➕ e↑-

Answer 8

Potassium has been oxidised as its lost electrons.

Question 9

Which metals are less likely to form a positive ions the metals further up or down the reactivity series?

Answer 9

The metals which are further down the reactivity series are less likely to form a positive ion as they are less likely to react.

Question 10

Which metals are more likely to form a positive ion the metals further down or up the reactivity series?

Answer 10

The metals which are further up the reactivity series are more likely to form a positive ion as they are more likely to react.