Summary Reactivity

• What is the basis for arranging metals in a reactivity series?

  Reactions with water and dilute acids
• How do highly reactive metals behave with water?

  They react violently, producing hydrogen gas
• Which metals are classified as highly reactive?

  Potassium, sodium, lithium, calcium
• What do moderately reactive metals do with acids?

  They react to produce hydrogen gas
• Which metals are considered unreactive?

  Copper, silver, gold
• What are the general reactions involving metals and acids or water?

  1. Metal + Acid → Salt + Hydrogen gas
  2. Metal + Water → Metal Hydroxide + Hydrogen gas (for very reactive metals)
• What happens in a displacement reaction involving metals?

  A more reactive metal displaces a less reactive one
• What is the result of magnesium reacting with copper oxide?

  Magnesium oxide and copper are produced
• What is produced when zinc reacts with copper sulfate?

  Zinc sulfate and copper are produced
• What occurs if a less reactive metal is placed in a compound of a more reactive metal?

  No reaction occurs
• What is the order of reactivity of common metals from most to least reactive?

  Potassium > Sodium > Lithium > Calcium > Magnesium > Aluminium > Zinc > Iron > Copper > Silver > Gold
• What characterizes highly reactive metals in terms of water reaction?

  They react with water
• What characterizes least reactive metals?

  They do not react easily and are pure
• What two conditions are necessary for rusting of iron?

  Oxygen and water
• What is rusting in terms of chemical reaction?

  A slow oxidation reaction that weakens iron
• What is the formula for rust?

  Fe₂O₃·xH₂O
• What are the methods to prevent rusting of iron?

  1. Barrier methods (paint, oil, grease)
  2. Galvanizing (coating with zinc)
  3. Sacrificial protection (using more reactive metals)
• What is oxidation defined as?

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

  Loss of oxygen or gain of electrons
• What is a redox reaction?

  A reaction where oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously
• What is an oxidizing agent?

  Causes oxidation and is reduced
• What is a reducing agent?

  Causes reduction and is oxidized
• What happens to copper oxide in a redox reaction?

  It is reduced to copper
• What happens to magnesium in a redox reaction?

  It is oxidized to magnesium oxide
• What is the aim of investigating reactions of metals with acids?

  To investigate how magnesium, zinc, and iron react with dilute hydrochloric and sulfuric acid.
• What are the observations when magnesium, zinc, and iron react with acids?

  • Magnesium: Rapid reaction, many bubbles
  • Zinc: Moderate reaction, fewer bubbles
  • Iron: Slow reaction, few bubbles
• How can you test for hydrogen gas?

  Bring a lit splint near the gas
• What sound indicates the presence of hydrogen gas?

  A "pop" sound
• What are the key reactions for IGCSE Double Award Chemistry?

  1. Metal + Acid → Salt + Hydrogen
  2. Metal Displacement Reaction
  3. Rusting Reaction
  4. Oxidation & Reduction Example