The Reactivity Series

Question 1

Displacement

Answer 1

A reaction in which a more reactive metal replaces a less reactive metal in a compound

Question 2

Exothermic

Answer 2

A type of reaction that releases thermal energy

Question 3

Half equations

Answer 3

Equations that show what happens to electrons in oxidation and reduction reactions

e.g. during the oxidation of magnesium:

Mg —-> Mg2 + 2e-

Question 4

Metal hydroxide

Answer 4

A molecule made up of a hydroxide ion and a metal ion

e.g. sodium hydroxide (NaOH)

Question 5

Oxidation

Answer 5

A reaction in which a substance gains oxygen, or loses electrons

Question 6

Positive ions

Answer 6

An atom or group of atoms that has lost electrons. Positive ions have a positive charge

Question 7

Reactive

Answer 7

The term used to describe a substance that reacts quickly or easily

Question 8

Reactivity

Answer 8

How quickly or easily a substance will react

Question 9

Reactivity series

Answer 9

The list of metals placed in order of their reactivity, starting with the most reactive

Please
Send
Charlie’s
Monkeys
And
Zebras
In
Large
Cages
Securely
Guarded
Please

Question 10

Redox reaction

Answer 10

A reaction in which both oxidation and reduction occur

Question 11

Reduction

Answer 11

A reaction in which a substance loses oxygen, or gains electrons

Question 12

Rusting

Answer 12

The reaction between iron and oxygen in the presence of water

Question 13

Salt

Answer 13

The substance formed when a metal reacts with an acid, or a metal reacts with a non-metal.

Question 14

Unreactive

Answer 14

The term used to describe a substance that reacts very slowly, or does not react at all

Question 15

Weak acid

Answer 15

An acid that does not fully dissociate in water

e.g. carboxylic acids