Reactivity Series

Question 1

Equation for a reaction with water

Answer 1

Metal + water > metal hydroxide + hydrogen

Question 2

Observations with metals reacting with cold water

Answer 2

Potassium= explodes
Sodium= fizzes
calcium= bubbles

Question 3

Equation for a reaction with steam

Answer 3

Metal + steam > metal oxide + hydrogen

Question 4

Equation for a reaction with sulfuric acid

Answer 4

Metal + sulphuric acid > metal sulfate + hydrogen

Question 5

Equation for a reaction with hydrochloric acid

Answer 5

Metal + hydrochloric acid > metal chloride + hydrogen

Question 6

Why does it seem like aluminium is not reactive

Answer 6

As it reacts very quickly with the oxygen and forms an oxygen coating

Question 7

What are the two methods for preventing rust

Answer 7

1. Barrier method

2. Sacrificial method

Question 8

What is included in the barrier method

Answer 8

1. Painting- for big and small structures

2. Oiling/ greasing- when moving parts are involved

Question 9

How does the sacrificial method work

Answer 9

1. Zinc is more reactive than iron

2. Means that zinc will be oxidised instead of iron

Question 10

List the reactivity series

Answer 10

Potassium
Sodium
Calcium 
Magnesium
Aluminium 
Zinc 
Iron
Copper
Silver
Gold