Reactivity series

• What is studied to understand the chemistry of metals?

  Their reactions with water and acids
• What can be produced based on the reactions of metals with water and acids?

  A reactivity series of metals
• How is the reactivity series of metals organized?

  By the order of reactivity based on observations
• What is the reaction of potassium with water?

  • Reacts violently
• What is the reaction of sodium with water?

  • Reacts quickly
• What is the reaction of lithium with water?

  • Reacts less strongly
• What is the reaction of calcium with water?

  • Reacts less strongly
• How do magnesium, zinc, and iron react with cold water?

  They react very slowly
• What is the reaction of calcium with water represented by?

  Ca (s) + 2H₂O (l) ⟶ Ca(OH)₂ (aq) + H₂ (g)
• Which metals will react with dilute acids?

  Only metals above hydrogen in the reactivity series
• What happens to the reactivity of metals as they increase in the reactivity series?

  The more reactive the metal, the more vigorous the reaction
• What do acids form when they react with metals?

  A salt and hydrogen gas
• What is the general equation for metal-acid reactions?

  Metal + acid ⟶ salt + hydrogen
• What happens in metal displacement reactions?

  A more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal
• What happens when sodium oxide reacts with magnesium?

  No reaction occurs
• What is the result of the reaction between silver oxide and copper?

  Ag₂O + Cu → 2Ag + CuO
• What is the result of the reaction between zinc oxide and calcium?

  ZnO + Ca → Zn + CaO
• What is the outcome of the reaction between lead(II) oxide and silver?

  No reaction occurs
• What is the significance of displacement reactions in metal solutions?

  They show the reactivity of metals
• What is the order of reactivity in the reactivity series mnemonic?

  • Potassium (P)
  • Sodium (S)
  • Lithium (L)
  • Calcium (C)
  • Magnesium (M)
  • Aluminium (A)
  • Carbon (C)
  • Zinc (Z)
  • Iron (I)
  • Hydrogen (H)
  • Copper (C)
  • Silver (S)
  • Gold (G)
• What conditions are necessary for rusting to occur?

  Oxygen and water must be present
• How can the conditions for rusting be investigated?

  • Use control test tubes
  • Boil water to remove dissolved oxygen
  • Use calcium chloride as a drying agent
• What happens to the nail in contact with air and water?

  It rusts
• What happens to the nail not in contact with air?

  It does not rust
• What happens to the nail not in contact with water?

  It does not rust
• What is rust?

  A soft solid that flakes off iron
• How does rust affect iron structures over time?

  It weakens the structure
• What are the methods to prevent rusting?

  • Barrier methods: paint, oil, grease, electroplating
  • Sacrificial protection: using a more reactive metal
• How does sacrificial protection work?

  A more reactive metal protects a less reactive metal
• Which metal is commonly used for sacrificial protection against rusting?

  Zinc
• What happens to zinc in sacrificial protection?

  Zinc oxidizes and corrodes first
• How can rust be prevented?

  By coating iron with barriers
• What happens if the coatings on iron are damaged?

  Iron is exposed to water and oxygen
• Why does rust continue to corrode iron internally?

  Rust is porous, allowing air and water in
• What are common barrier methods for rust prevention?

  • Paint
  • Oil
  • Grease
  • Electroplating
• What happens to iron as it undergoes rusting?

  It rusts and its structure weakens
• What is sacrificial protection in rust prevention?

  A more reactive metal protects a less reactive metal
• Which metal is more reactive than iron?

  Zinc
• What must be done for continued protection using zinc bars?

  Zinc bars must be replaced before corroding
• What is galvanising?

  • Coating iron with zinc
  • Can be done by electroplating or dipping
  • Protects iron by barrier and sacrificial methods