Chemistry- Reactivity Series

• Which metals react explosively with water?

  Potassium and sodium
• What do highly reactive metals form when they react with water?

  A hydroxide and hydrogen gas
• What is the reaction of potassium with water?

  2K + 2H₂O → 2KOH + H₂
• How do less reactive metals like magnesium react with water?

  They only react with steam
• What is the reaction of magnesium with steam?

  Mg + H₂O (steam) → MgO + H₂
• What do metals produce when they react with dilute hydrochloric or sulfuric acid?

  A salt and hydrogen gas
• What is the reaction of magnesium with hydrochloric acid?

  Mg + 2HCl → MgCl₂ + H₂
• How do more reactive metals like magnesium react with acids?

  They react vigorously
• How do less reactive metals like iron react with acids?

  They react slowly
• What is the displacement reaction of aluminum and iron(III) oxide?

  2Al + Fe₂O₃ → 2Fe + Al₂O₃
• What is the displacement reaction of zinc and copper(II) sulfate?

  Zn + CuSO₄ → ZnSO₄ + Cu
• What is the order of reactivity of metals from most to least reactive?

  • Potassium (K)
  • Sodium (Na)
  • Lithium (Li)
  • Calcium (Ca)
  • Magnesium (Mg)
  • Aluminium (Al)
  • Zinc (Zn)
  • Iron (Fe)
  • Copper (Cu)
  • Silver (Ag)
  • Gold (Au)
• What does potassium produce when it reacts with water?

  Potassium hydroxide and hydrogen gas
• What does sodium produce when it reacts with water?

  Sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas
• What does lithium produce when it reacts with water?

  Lithium hydroxide and hydrogen gas
• What does calcium produce when it reacts with water?

  Calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas
• Why does aluminum react slowly with acids?

  Due to its oxide layer
• How does magnesium react with acids?

  It forms salts and hydrogen gas
• How does zinc react with acids?

  It reacts moderately to form zinc salts
• How does iron react with acids?

  It reacts slowly to form iron(II) chloride
• What is rusting?

  Formation of hydrated iron(III) oxide
• What conditions are necessary for rusting to occur?

  Water and oxygen exposure
• What are the methods to prevent rusting?

  • Barrier methods (paint, grease, oil)
  • Galvanising (zinc coating)
  • Sacrificial protection (more reactive metal)
• Which metals react explosively with water?

  Potassium and sodium
• What do highly reactive metals form when they react with water?

  A hydroxide and hydrogen gas
• What is the reaction of potassium with water?

  2K + 2H₂O → 2KOH + H₂
• What is oxidation?

  Gain of oxygen or loss of electrons
• What is reduction?

  Loss of oxygen or gain of electrons
• How do less reactive metals like magnesium react with water?

  They only react with steam
• What is the reaction of magnesium with steam?

  Mg + H₂O (steam) → MgO + H₂
• What is a redox reaction?

  A reaction with simultaneous oxidation and reduction
• What is an oxidising agent?

  Gains electrons and causes oxidation
• What do metals produce when they react with dilute hydrochloric or sulfuric acid?

  A salt and hydrogen gas
• What is a reducing agent?

  Loses electrons and causes reduction
• What is the reaction of magnesium with hydrochloric acid?

  Mg + 2HCl → MgCl₂ + H₂
• How do more reactive metals like magnesium react with acids compared to less reactive metals like iron?

  More reactive metals react vigorously
• What is the reaction of magnesium with hydrochloric acid in a practical investigation?

  Mg + 2HCl → MgCl₂ + H₂
• What is the reaction of zinc with hydrochloric acid in a practical investigation?

  Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂
• What is the reaction of iron with hydrochloric acid in a practical investigation?

  Fe + 2HCl → FeCl₂ + H₂
• What is a displacement reaction?

  A more reactive metal displaces a less reactive one