chemistry-reactivity series

• What is the purpose of a reactivity series?

  To arrange metals based on their reactivity
• How can metals be arranged in a reactivity series?

  Based on reactions with water and acids
• What reactions are used to arrange metals in a reactivity series?

  Reactions with water and dilute acids
• What types of displacement reactions are used for arranging metals?

  Metals with metal oxides and metal salts
• What is the order of reactivity for these metals: potassium, sodium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, zinc, iron, copper, silver, gold?


  Potassium, sodium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, zinc, iron, copper, silver, gold
• Under what conditions does iron rust?

  In the presence of water and oxygen
• How can rusting of iron be prevented?

  By barrier methods, galvanising, and sacrificial protection
• What are the methods to prevent rusting of iron?

  • Barrier methods
  • Galvanising
  • Sacrificial protection
• What does oxidation mean in terms of electrons?

  Gain of oxygen or loss of electrons
• What does reduction mean in terms of electrons?

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

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

  A substance that gains electrons
• What is a reducing agent?

  A substance that loses electrons
• What are the key terms related to oxidation and reduction?

  • Oxidation
  • Reduction
  • Redox
  • Oxidising agent
  • Reducing agent