Reactivity Series Flashcards
Order of reactivity series
potassium/ sodium/ lithium/ calcium/ magnesium/ aluminium/ zinc/ iron/ tin/ lead/ copper/ silver/ gold
where is carbon placed in the reactivity series?
between aluminium and zinc
where is hydrogen placed in the reactivity series?
between lead and copper
Which metals react VIGOROUSLY to form metal salt and hydrogen?
potassium, sodium, lithium (alkali metals)
What is the trend with the reaction with dilute acids from calcium to lead?
- react with decreasing vigour as you go down series
- form metal salt and hydrogen
which metals do not react with dilute acids?
copper, silver, gold
Which metals react VIGOROUSLY with cold water? what do they form?
potassium, sodium, lithium, calcium
- form solution of metal hydroxide and hydrogen
Which metal reacts slowly with cold water? How does it react with steam?
magnesium
- burns in steam to form magnesium oxide and hydrogen
Which metals do not react with cold water but react with steam?
aluminium, zinc, iron
- in steam they form metal oxide and hydrogen
Which metals do not react with either cold water or steam?
tin, lead, copper, silver, gold
What is rust?
corrosion of iron
How is rust formed?
iron + water + oxygen ➡ hydrated iron oxide
What are three types of protection against rust?
- barrier methods
- galvanising
- sacrificial protection
Name four types of barrier methods
- paint
- oil
- grease
- plastic
What is sacrificial protection?
a block of a more reactive metal placed on iron
What is galvanising?
coat iron in zinc prevents water and oxygen reaching metal
What is redox?
a reaction in which both reduction and oxidation takes place
What is reduction?
- removal of oxygen
- gain of electrons
What is a reducing agent?
a substance which is capable of reducing another substance
How can a metal oxide be reduced?
by heating it with a metal that is higher in the reactivity series
How are reduction reactions best carried out?
- in a crucible made of heat-resistant porcelain
- metal and oxide should be in powdered form
What is oxidation?
- addition of oxygen
- loss of electrons
What is an oxidising agent?
a substance which is capable of oxidising another substance
