Metals And The Reactivity Serie Flashcards
What is oxidation in terms of oxygen?
The gain of oxygen
What is reduction in terms of oxygen?
The loss of oxygen
What happens when a metal reacts with oxygen?
It forms a metal oxide (e.g. magnesium + oxygen —> magnesium oxide)
What does the acronym “OIL RIG” stand for?
Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain (in terms of electrons)
What is the reactivity series?
A list of metals arranged from most reactive (potassium) to least reactive (gold)
How can the reactivity of a metal be determined?
By its reaction with water, acids, and displacement reactions
What metals react vigorously with water?
Potassium, sodium, lithium, and calcium
What happens when a metal reacts with an acid?
A salt and hydrogen gas are produced (e.g. magnesium + hydrochloric acid —> magnesium chloride + hydrogen)
What is a displacement reaction?
A more reactive metal displace is a less reactive metal from its compound
What happens when iron reacts with copper sulfate?
Iron displaces copper, forming iron sulfate and copper metal
Why does a displacement reaction occur?
Because a more reactive metal has stronger tendency to lose electrons and form positive ions
How are metals less reactive than carbon extracted?
By reduction with carbon (e.g. iron is extracted from iron ore in a blast furnace)
Why can carbon be used to extract some metals?
Because carbon is more reactive than metals like iron and can remove oxygen from their oxides
How are highly reactive metals like aluminum extracted?
By electrolysis, since they are too reactive to be extracted with carbon
What is corrosion?
The gradual destruction of metals due to reactions with oxygen and moisture
What is rust?
Iron oxide, formed when iron reacts with oxygen and water
What conditions are needed rusting?
Oxygen and water
Name three methods to prevent rusting
- Galvanizing (coating with zinc)
- Painting
- Using sacrificial metals
How does galvanizing prevent rust?
Zinc forms a protective layer and sacrificially corrodes before iron
