Reactivity series - SC11

Question 1

Reactivity series from most reactive to least - with symbols

Answer 1

Potassium (K)
Sodium (Na)
Calcium (Ca)
Magnesium (Mg)
Aluminium (Al)
Carbon (C)
Zinc (Zn)
Iron (Fe)
Copper (Cu)
Silver (Ag)
Gold (Au)

Question 2

What is the method of extraction for K, Na, Ca, Mg and Al

Answer 2

Using electrolysis of molten compounds

Question 3

What is the method of extraction for Zn, Fe and Cu

Answer 3

Heat ore with carbon

Question 4

what is an ore?

Answer 4

a rock that contains metal oxide

Question 5

What is the method of extraction for Ag and Au

Answer 5

Uncombined elements.

Question 6

What is the tendency of metal atoms to form cations in more reactive elements

Answer 6

They more easily lose electrons to form metal cations compared to less reactive elements — all elements experience oxidation

Question 7

What is the reaction of water with K, Na and Ca?

Answer 7

All react with cold water to form HYDROGEN GAS and METAL HYDROXIDE

Question 8

What is the reaction of water with Mg, Zn, Fe and Al?

Answer 8

Reacts slowly with cold water but readily with steam to form hydrogen and metal oxide

Question 9

What is the reaction of water with Cu, Ag and Au?

Answer 9

They do not react with water

Question 10

What is the reaction of dilute acid with K and Na?

Answer 10

React violently to form salt and hydrogen

Question 11

What is the reaction of dilute acid with Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe and Al?

Answer 11

Reacts slowly to form salt + hydrogen

Question 12

What is the reaction of dilute acid with Cu, Ag and Au?

Answer 12

Do not react

Question 13

Reactivity series from least to most reactive with symbols?

Answer 13

Gold (Au)
Silver (Ag)
Copper (Cu)
– Hydrogen (H)—
Iron (Fe)
Zinc (Zn)
— carbon (C)—-
Aluminium (Al)
Magnesium (Mg)
Calcium (Ca)
Sodium (Na)
Potassium (K)

Question 14

why are redox reactions displacement reactions?

Answer 14

redox is oxidation and reduction, whereby there is loss of electrons (oxidation) and gain (reduction) - this hence means one element will be displaced

Question 15

Explain the reactivity series in terms of the tendency of different metal atoms to form cations?

Answer 15

the more reactive the element the more likely they are to form metal cations

Question 16

Which elements are found uncombined in the earth’s crust

Answer 16

gold, silver, copper, platinum

Question 17

How and why are ores extracted via electrolysis?

Answer 17

• cheaper to electrolyse than melt (due to energy costs from heating elements with high melting points)
• more reactive than carbon

Question 18

What are 2 biological methods of metal extraction

Answer 18

bioleaching and photoextraction

Question 19

what are the disadvantages of phytoextraction + bioleaching

Answer 19

very slow

Question 20

what are the advantages of phytoextraction + bioleaching

Answer 20

conserves supplies of higher grade ores and no harmful gases are produced

Question 21

what are the advantages of bioleaching

Answer 21

doesn’t require high temperatures

Question 22

what are the disadvantages of bioleaching

Answer 22

toxic substances

Question 23

what are the advantages of phytoextraction

Answer 23

can extract metals from contaminated soils

Question 24

what are the disadvantages of phytoextraction

Answer 24

more expensive than mining ores and growing plants is dependant on weather conditions