Reactivity Series Flashcards
Reactivity series
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Lithium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Aluminium
- (Carbon)
- Zinc
- Iron
- (Hydrogen)
- Copper
- Silver
- Gold
Oxidation
Gain of oxygen or loss of electrons
Reduction
Loss of oxygen or gain of electrons
Redox
Reduction and oxidation. A redox reaction involves both occurring together
Oxidising agent
Something that oxidises something else by taking electrons away from it. An oxidising agent is reduced in a reaction
Reducing agent
Something that reduces something else by giving electrons to it. A reducing agent is oxidised in a reaction
How to investigate the reactions between metals and dilute acids
- Set up test-tubes with 2cm3 of dilute acid in
- Put a piece of metal in each and observe the reaction
- If there is fizzing, collect or trap the gas and test it with a lighted splint - a squeaky pop indicates the presence of hydrogen gas
OR - Measure out 50cm3 of 1mol/dm3 hydrochloric acid using a 50cm3 measuring cylinder
- Pour the acid into a polystyrene cup (insulator)
- Measure the initial temperature
- Weigh out 0.01 mol of metal powder
- Add the powder, stirring rapidly, and measure the maximum temperature
- Repeat and average the change in temperature
- Repeat for different metals
When does rusting occur?
In the presence of oxygen and water
What is a barrier method?
Painting, coating or covering the iron
What is an advantage of barrier methods?
They are usually cheap
What is a disadvantage of barrier methods?
The iron will rust if the barrier is broken
What is galvanising?
Coating the iron with a layer of more reactive zinc. Even when scratched the iron doesn’t rust since the zinc reacts more readily than the iron so corrodes instead
What is sacrificial protection?
Attaching blocks of more reactive metals to corrode instead of iron. It is used on larger structures such as ships and pipelines
