Reactivity Series

Question 1

How are metals arranged?

Answer 1

From MOST Reactive to LEAST Reactive

Question 2

The Reactivity Series Table

Answer 2

Question 3

The Reactivity Series Table 2

Answer 3

Question 4

Reaction of Metals

Answer 4

• Dilute Acid (Hydrochloric Acid)
• Cold Water
• Steam

Question 5

Dilute Acid (Hydrochloric Acid)

Answer 5

Reactive metal + dilute acid —> salt + hydrogen gas

Question 6

Cold Water

Answer 6

Reactive metal + cold water —> metal hydroxide + hydrogen gas

Question 7

Steam

Answer 7

Reactive metal + steam —> metal oxide + hydrogen gas

Question 8

What are the five methods of determining the order of reactivity?

Answer 8

Method 1: Reactions of Metals
Method 2: Reduction Reactions Involving Metal Oxides
Method 3: Displacement Reactions of Metals
Method 4: Reaction Between a Metal and the Oxide of Another Metal
Method 5: Thermal Decomposition of Metal Carbonates

Question 9

Reduction Reactions Involving Metal Oxides

Answer 9

Uses it with Carbon and Hydrogen

Question 10

Reduction of Metal Oxides with Carbon ( Reducing Agent )

Answer 10

Metal oxide + Carbon —> Metal + Carbon dioxide

When heated with carbon, the metal oxide is reduced to its metal by carbon. Carbon is oxidised to form carbon.

Question 11

Reduction of Metal Oxides with Hydrogen ( Reducing Agent )

Answer 11

Metal oxide + Hydrogen —> Metal + Steam

When hydrogen gas is passed over the heated metal oxide, the metal oxide will be reduced to its metal. Hydrogen will be oxidised to form steam.

Question 12

Reduction with Carbon

Answer 12

Zn and Below

Question 13

Reduction with Hydrogen (gas)

Answer 13

Fe and Below

Question 14

Displacement Reactions of Metals

Answer 14

A MORE REACTIVE METAL WILL DISPLACE A LESS REACTIVE METAL FROM ITS SALT SOLUTION

A more reactive metal has a greater tendency to form positive ions compared to a less reactive metal.

Question 15

Colours of some common metals and solutions

Answer 15

Question 16

Reaction Between a Metal and the Oxide of Another Metal

Answer 16

A more reactive metal can reduce the oxide of a less reactive metal.

Question 17

Method 4 Summary

Answer 17

1. Displacement reaction: more reactive metal + less reactive metal salt
2. Reduction of metal oxide: more reactive metal + less reactive metal oxide

Question 18

Thermal Decomposition of Metals Method Carbonates

Answer 18

Metal carbonate —> Metal oxide + carbon dioxide

Question 19

Examples of thermal decomposition of some metal carbonates

Answer 19

Question 20

Method 5 Summary

Answer 20

more reactive the metal —> stronger electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions in its compound —> more stable its metal carbonates —> more energy is needed to overcome the bonds in its compound —> decomposes less quickly when strongly heated.

Question 21

How are Metals Extracted from their Ores?

Answer 21

Most metals exist naturally in the form of ores. An ore is a compound of the metal ( usually the oxides, sulfides, chlorides or carbonates ) mixed with large amounts of earth and rock.

Some unreactive metals such as gold can be found as the metal itself - chemical separation is not needed.

Question 22

The more reactive a metal is, the harder it is to extract the metal from its ore.

Answer 22

For example, Potassium would be the most difficult to extract while Silver would be the most easiest to extract.

Question 23

The two main methods used to extract for metal extraction are….

Answer 23

• Electrolysis ( Al and above )
• Reduction using Carbon ( Zn and below )

Question 24

What is rusting?

Answer 24

The Corrosion of Iron

All metals CORRODE, only iron RUSTS.

The rust formed is hydrated IRON(III) OXIDE (Fe2O3)

Question 25

Conditions of rusting

Answer 25

OXYGEN and WATER

Sodium chloride and acidic substances ( sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide )

Question 26

Methods of Rust Prevention

Answer 26

• Barrier method
• Sacrificial Protection

Question 27

Barrier method (creating a protective layer)

Answer 27

Painting/Greasing/Plastic Coating/ Electroplating

The coating provides a protective layer to prevent the iron from coming into contact with water or oxygen. (Note: if the coating is scratched, rusting will take place under the surface)

Question 28

Sacrificial protection (using a more reactive metal to protect iron)

Answer 28

-Attaching metal blocks of zinc or magnesium

When two metals are together, the more reactive metal will corrode in place of the less reactive metal.

• Galvanising with zinc

Prevents rusting by using both the barrier and sacrificial protection method.