Reactivity and Extraction

• Summarise the most reactive metals in order 1. sodium 2. potassium 3. lithium
• What is the general reaction of a metal with an acid?

  Acid + Metal → Salt + Hydrogen
• How does the reactivity of metals with acids vary?

  More reactive metals react more violently
• What is the procedure to compare metal reactivity with acids?

  1. Add small metal pieces to dilute acids.
  2. Observe fizzing (hydrogen gas produced).
  3. More bubbles indicate more reactivity.
  4. Test for hydrogen with a lit splint.
• What is the reaction of magnesium with acids?

  Magnesium reacts vigorously with acids
• How do zinc and iron react with acids compared to magnesium?

  Zinc and iron react slower than magnesium
• What is the general reaction of metals with water?

  Metal + Water → Metal Hydroxide + Hydrogen
• Which metals are very reactive with water?

  Potassium, Sodium, Lithium
• How do less reactive metals like magnesium, zinc, and iron react with water?

  They react with steam, not cold water
• Does copper react with water or steam?

  No, copper does not react
• What does heating powdered metals in air demonstrate?

  The reactivity of the metals
• Which metal burns brightly in oxygen?

  Magnesium
• How do zinc and iron burn in air compared to magnesium?

  Zinc and iron burn less brightly than magnesium
• What happens to copper when burned in air?

  Copper does not burn in air
• What are the key takeaways regarding metal reactivity?

  1. More reactive metals react faster with acids and water.
  2. Hydrogen gas test: lit splint makes a squeaky pop.
  3. Potassium and sodium react explosively with water.
  4. Copper is the least reactive metal.
• What does the reactivity series list?

  Metals in order of reactivity
• Which metals are the most reactive according to the reactivity series?

  Potassium, Sodium, Lithium, Calcium
• Which metals are considered not very reactive?

  Iron, Copper
• Which metals are the least reactive?

  Silver, Gold
• What is a displacement reaction?

  A more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal
• What are redox reactions?

  Reactions involving oxidation and reduction
• What happens to the more reactive metal in a displacement reaction?

  It is oxidised
• What happens to the less reactive metal in a displacement reaction?

  It is reduced
• How do metal compounds like sulfates, chlorides, and nitrates react?

  They react similarly in displacement reactions
• What happens when an iron nail is placed in copper sulfate solution?

  Iron displaces copper
• What is the equation for iron displacing copper in copper sulfate?

  CuSO₄ + Fe → FeSO₄ + Cu
• What happens when silver is placed in copper sulfate solution?

  Nothing happens, silver is less reactive
• What are the uses of the reactivity series?

  • Predicts which metals will react.
  • Indicates if a metal is high in the series if it reacts with acid or water.
• What conditions are necessary for iron to rust?

  Contact with oxygen and water
• What is rusting in terms of chemical reaction?

  Oxidation reaction forming iron(III) oxide
• What is the equation for rusting?

  Iron + Oxygen + Water → Hydrated iron(III) oxide
• What is the physical property of rust?

  Rust is soft and crumbly
• What are the two methods to prevent rusting?

  1. Barrier Method:

  • Painting/Plastic coating
  • Oiling/Greasing

  1. Sacrificial Method:

  • Using zinc (galvanising)
  • Zinc oxidises instead of iron
• What is the barrier method for preventing rusting?

  Stops water and oxygen from touching iron
• What is the sacrificial method for preventing rusting?

  More reactive metal reacts instead of iron
• What metal is often used in the sacrificial method?

  Zinc
• What is galvanising?

  Coating iron with zinc to prevent rust
• What are the key takeaways regarding rusting and its prevention?

  1. Rusting requires oxygen and water.
  2. Rust prevention methods: barrier and sacrificial.
  3. Barrier methods include painting and oiling.
  4. Sacrificial methods use zinc to protect iron.
• What does oxidation mean in terms of chemical reactions?

  Gain of oxygen
• What is the equation for magnesium oxidation?

  2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO