Metals And Reactivity Series Flashcards
Reactions of Na and K when left in air
These soft metals can be cut easily with knife to give a shiny surface which quickly tarnishes
Reactions of K and Na when heated in air
Burns with a lilac flame, forming a white solid
Burns with a yellow/orange flame, forming a white solid
Reactions of Ca, Mg, Al, Zn when left in air
Reacts slowly with the air forming a layer of oxide
Ca when heated in air
Burns with a brick red flame, leaving a white solid
Mg reacted when heated in air
Burns with a bright white flame leaving a white ash
Al reaction when heated in air
Sheets of aluminium do not burn easily. Powdered aluminium burns with white peaks leaving a white solid
Zn reaction when heated in air
Burns steadily, forming a yellow solid which when cooled changes to white
Reactions Fe and Cu when left in air
Oxide layer is easily rubbed off
Fe heated in air
Sheets of iron do not burn easily. Iron wool or iron filings burn with yellow/orange sparks forming a black solid
Cu heated in air
Sheets of red brown copper glows red and forms a black layer of copper oxide but does not burn. There may be a blue - green flame observed
Na reaction with water
Floats, moves rapidly around the surface. So much heat is released that Na melts and forms a sphere of molten metal
General equation for metal and water
Metal + water —> metal hydroxide + hydrogen
K reaction with water
Floats, moves rapidly around the surface. Bursts into lilac flame. Bubbles of gas released. Colourless solution formed. Heat is released. Potassium disappears at the end.
Further tests for K
Solution changes Universal Indicator from green to blue.
Ca reaction with water
Ca granules will sink initially then rises. Bubbles of gas evolved. Beaker feels warm to the touch as heat is evolved. Calcium disappears. Colourless solution with a white ppt (due to Ca(OH)2 which is only slightly soluble).
Mg reaction with water
Very few bubbles are observed even after leaving for several days.
Al, Fe, Zn and Cu reaction with water
No reaction
Iron will rust after a few days
General equation for reaction between water and metal
METAL + WATER —>METAL HYDROXIDE + HYDROGEN
Mg reaction with steam
Reacts when heated. Produces a very bright white light. Heat given out. A white powder remains.