Reactivity

• What is the reactivity series?

  A list of metals arranged by reactivity
• How are metals arranged in the reactivity series?

  By their reactivity with water, oxygen, and acids
• What are the reactions of metals with water based on their reactivity?

  • Highly reactive metals: React vigorously with cold water.
  • Moderately reactive metals: React with steam, not cold water.
• Which metals react vigorously with cold water?

  Potassium, Sodium, Lithium, Calcium
• What happens when sodium reacts with water?

  Sodium fizzes, moves, and may ignite
• What is observed when potassium reacts with water?

  Burns with a lilac flame
• Which metals react with steam instead of cold water?

  Magnesium, Zinc, Iron
• What is produced when magnesium reacts with steam?

  White solid magnesium oxide and hydrogen gas
• What do metals produce when they react with dilute acids?

  A salt and hydrogen gas
• What is the general reaction of metals with acids?

  Metal + Acid → Salt + Hydrogen
• What happens when magnesium reacts with hydrochloric acid?

  Fizzes rapidly and dissolves quickly
• How does zinc react with sulfuric acid?

  Reacts slowly with moderate bubbles
• How does iron react with acids?

  Reacts very slowly with acid
• What is the "pop test" used for?

  To test for hydrogen gas
• How is the "pop test" conducted?

  Bring a lit splint near collected gas
• What is a displacement reaction?

  A more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal
• What happens in the displacement of metal oxides?

  More reactive metal removes oxygen from less reactive metal
• What is observed when zinc displaces copper from copper sulfate solution?

  Copper metal is deposited as a red-brown solid
• What is the displacement rule?

  A more reactive metal replaces a less reactive metal
• 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 mnemonic helps memorize the reactivity series?

  “Please Stop Calling Me A Zebra Instead Try Learning How Copper Saves Gold.”
• What are the trends in reactivity among metals?

  • Highly reactive metals: React violently with water and acids.
  • Moderately reactive metals: React with acids but not cold water.
  • Least reactive metals: Do not react with acids or water.
• What is rusting?

  The slow oxidation of iron forming rust
• What are the requirements for rusting to occur?

  Oxygen and water are needed
• What is the chemical formula for rust?

  Fe₂O₃·xH₂O
• What happens to Fe(OH)₃ over time?

  It dehydrates to form rust
• What are the methods to prevent rusting of iron?

  1. Barrier Methods: Paint, oil, or grease.
  2. Galvanizing: Zinc coating prevents corrosion.
  3. Sacrificial Protection: More reactive metal corrodes instead.
• What is oxidation?

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

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

  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 does the OIL RIG mnemonic represent?

  Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain
• What is the aim of the practical investigation with acids?

  To investigate metal reactions with acids
• What is the method for investigating metal reactions with acids?

  1. Add small pieces of Mg, Zn, Fe into test tubes with HCl or H₂SO₄.
  2. Observe reaction (bubbles, heat, speed).
  3. Test for hydrogen using a lit splint (“pop” test).
• What are the results and observations for metals reacting with acids?

  • Magnesium: Rapid bubbling, high hydrogen production.
  • Zinc: Moderate bubbling, medium hydrogen production.
  • Iron: Slow reaction, low hydrogen production.
• What is the reaction of magnesium with acid?

  Rapid bubbling and high hydrogen production
• What is the reaction of zinc with acid?

  Moderate bubbling and medium hydrogen production
• What is the reaction of iron with acid?

  Slow reaction and low hydrogen production
• What are the key equations for magnesium and zinc reactions with acids?

  Magnesium + Acid → Salt + Hydrogen