The reactivity series/Displacement Reactions/Extractions Flashcards
What is the order of metals in the reactivity series, from most reactive to least reactive?
Potassium (K)
Sodium (Na)
Calcium (Ca)
Magnesium (Mg)
Aluminium (Al)
Zinc (Zn)
Iron (Fe)
Tin (Sn)
Lead (Pb)
Copper (Cu)
Silver (Ag)
Gold (Au)
Platinum (Pt)
What are some general equations to write specific word equations for metals listed in the reactivity series reacting with oxygen, water, and acid?
= means arrow
Metal + Oxygen = Metal Oxide
Metal + water = Metal Hydroxide + Hydrogen
Metal + Acid = Salt + Hydrogen
Describe oxidation and reduction in terms of gain or loss of oxygen.
When a substance gains oxygen, it is called oxidation. (loss of electron/s)
When a substance loses oxygen, it is called reduction. (gain of electron/s)
Justify uses of metals in the reactive series based on their chemical reactivity.
A more reactive metal can displace a less reactive metal from its solution.
What is the definition of displacement reactions?
A reaction that occurs when a more reactive element replaces a less reactive element in a compound.
What is the general equation for a displacement reaction?
A+BC = B+AC
Which species is oxidised and which species is reduced in a displacement reaction in terms of electron transfer?
Displacement reactions are examples of redox reactions as one species is being oxidised (losing electrons) while the other is being reduced (gaining electrons). For example, if magnesium was added to copper sulphate solution, the magnesium metal would be oxidised, while the copper ions were being reduced.
Define how metals can be extracted.
Metals more reactive than carbon, such as aluminium, are extracted by electrolysis, while metals less reactive than carbon, such as iron, may be extracted by reduction with carbon. As gold is so unreactive, it is found as the native metal and not as a compound. It does not need to be chemically separated.
Identify species that are being oxidised and reduced in a chemical reaction.
The species that loses electrons is said to be oxidised, while the species that gains electrons is said to be reduced.
Explain why some metals are found uncombined in the Earth’s crust.
Metals such as gold and silver are unreactive and are found uncombined in the Earth’s crust as the metallic element.
Explain how carbon or hydrogen can be used to reduce an ore.
We can use carbon reduction reactions to reduce metal ores. In these reactions, the metal ores will be reduced and the carbon will be oxidised. Carbon reduction reactions form two products. During a carbon reduction reaction, the metal ore loses oxygen whilst the carbon gains oxygen, forming carbon dioxide.
