Metals And The Reactivity Series

Question 1

What is the reactivity series?

Answer 1

Least - gold, silver, copper, hydrogen, lead, iron, tin, zinc, carbon, aluminium, magnesium, calcium, lithium, sodium, potassium - most

Question 2

What are ways to prevent rusting?

Answer 2

Sacrificial protection - where a more reactive metal is placed next to the iron
Barrier method - paint oil or grease the iron to prevent oxygen from getting to it
Galvanising - a mixture of the top two

Question 3

What is the thermite reaction?

Answer 3

Glycerine to a pile of iron (III) oxide, aluminium powder and potassium permanganate. Produces a flame, sparks and Molten iron

Question 4

What does oxidation and reduction mean?

Answer 4

Oxidation means gaining oxygen and reduction means losing oxygen

Question 5

What is the equation for the rusting of iron?

Answer 5

Oxygen + iron (III) oxide ——> hydrated iron (III) oxide