Chemistry Reactivity Series- Key Knowledge Flashcards
What is the reactivity series?
Potassium
Sodium
Lithium
Calcium
Magnesium
Aluminum
Zinc
Iron
Copper
Silver
Gold
What is displacement?
When a more reactive metal reacts with a compound containing a less reactive metal ion
What is reduction?
Loss of oxygen, gain of electrons
What is oxidation?
Gain of oxygen, loss of electrons
What is a RedOx reaction?
A reaction where both reduction and oxidation take place.
What is the oxidizing agent?
Less reactive metal- oxidizes other species
What is the reducing agent?
More reactive metal- reduces the other species
What is required for iron to rust?
Oxygen and water
What is a barrier method?
Where iron is covered to prevent oxygen and water from reacting with the surface
E.g painting, plating, plastic
What is sacrificial protection?
Attach a large lump of Mg or Zn to react instead of Fe
What is galvanization?
Fe is coated with Zn as it is more reactive, this coating protects even if chipped.
When atoms lose electrons through oxidation, what do they form?
Positive ions - cations
When atoms gain electrons through reduction, what do they form?
Negative ions- anions
Why does reactivity increase as you go down groups of metals?
The outer shell electron is further away from the nucleus so requires less energy to remove.
What is the flame colour of calcium ions?
orange-red
