Topic 1 - Reactivity Series of Metals Flashcards
Describe the reaction of magnesium with steam
Magnesium reacts quite vigorously when heated to a white powder
Describe the reaction of aluminium with steam
Aluminium, when fresh, reacts quite vigorously
Describe the reaction of zinc with steam
Zinc reacts when heated to red-hot
Describe the reaction of iron with steam
Iron reacts slowly
Describe the reaction of copper with steam
Copper does not react with steam
Describe the reaction of Calcium with oxygen
Calcium is rapidly covered with an oxide layer and burns readily with a brick red flame when heated
Describe the reaction of Magnesium with oxygen
Magnesium has an oxide layer formed slowly when cold and burns easily with a bright light to give a white ash when heated
Describe the reaction of Aluminium with oxygen
Aluminium forms a fine oxide layer instantly when cold, making it difficult to burn, unless heated strongly in powder form
Describe the reaction of zinc with oxygen
Zinc forms an oxide layer in the cold, protecting it and making it difficult to burn unless strongly heated in powder form. It burns with a greenish flame.
Describe the reaction of Iron with oxygen
Iron reacts slowly with dry air. Heated Iron filings sparkle but do not burn.
Describe the reaction of Copper with oxygen
Copper does not react when cold but forms a black oxide layer when heated strongly. It burns with a green flame.
Definition of a displacement reaction of metals with other metal ions in solution
When a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its salt solution
What observations are associated with a displacement reaction?
Temperature increase
Colour change
Solid/precipitate formed
Hydrogen gas (bubbles) produced, due to the water locally boiling
How can we deduce the reactivity of a metal?
The rate of a chemical reaction involving a metal gives an indication of the reactivity of the metal
Why is Aluminium less reactive than expected?
Due to a protective oxide layer which forms readily when exposed to air, which prevents the metal from further reaction
Recall the reactivity series of metals.
Potassium Sodium Calcium Magnesium Aluminium Zits Iron Copper
Describe the reaction between potassium and cold water.
Reacts very vigorously with cold water.
Observations:
- Lilac flame
- K melts into a tiny ball
- Moves/skids on surface
- Bubbles
- Heat released
- K disappears at end
- Colourless solution produced
Write a word and symbol equation for the reaction of potassium with cold water.
Potassium + water –> Potassium hydroxide + hydrogen
2K(s) + 2H2O(l) –> 2KOH(aq) +H2(g)
Describe the reaction between sodium and cold water.
Reacts vigorously in cold water.
Observations:
- Na melts into a tiny ball
- Moves/skids on surface
- Bubbles
- Heat released
- Na disappears
- Colourless solution produced
Write a word and symbol equation for the reaction of sodium with cold water.
Sodium + water –> Sodium hydroxide + hydrogen
2Na(s) + 2H2O(l) –> 2NaOH(aq) + H2(g)
Describe the reaction between calcium and cold water.
Calcium reacts vigorously in cold water.
Observations:
- Sinks then rises
- Bubbles
- Heat released
- Ca disappears
- Colourless solution with a white precipitate (due to calcium hydroxide which is only slightly soluble).
Write a word and symbol equation for the reaction of calcium with cold water.
Calcium + water –> Calcium hydroxide + hydrogen
Ca(s) + 2H2O(l) –> Ca(OH)2(aq) + H2(g)
In these experiment with cold water and steam, how would you collect the gas produced?
With cold water
- Inverted boiling tube on top of an inverted filter funnel.
With steam
- Beehive shelf and gas jar.
Describe the apparatus used when reacting a metal with cold water.
- Boiling tube
- Water
- Hydrogen
- Beaker
- Filter funnel
- Calcium (or other metal)
Describe the apparatus used when reacting a metal with steam.
- Boiling tube
- Heat
- Damp mineral wool
- Metal
- Cork
- Delivery tube
- Water
- Beehive shelf
- Trough
- Gas jar
- Hydrogen
