Reactivity series

• What is the focus of the GCSE chemistry video discussed in the study material?

  The focus is on the reactivity series and why chemicals, particularly metals, react.
• What does the term "reactivity" refer to in chemistry?

  Reactivity is a measure of how noticeable and how quickly changes occur during chemical reactions.
• How can we observe changes during a chemical reaction?

  We can observe changes such as noise, temperature changes, gas formation (effervescence), appearance changes, and color changes.
• What is effervescence in a chemical reaction?

  Effervescence is the formation of bubbles due to gas production during a chemical reaction.
• What is the significance of a full outer shell of electrons for an element?

  A full outer shell of electrons makes an element more stable.
• How do elements achieve a full outer shell of electrons?

  Elements can achieve a full outer shell by sharing pairs of electrons or by transferring electrons.
• What charge do ions have?

  Ions can be positive or negative depending on whether they have lost or gained electrons.
• What is the relationship between group number and outer shell electrons in the periodic table?


  The group number corresponds to the number of outer shell electrons an element has.
• How many outer shell electrons do elements in group 0 have?

  Elements in group 0 have 8 outer shell electrons, except for helium, which has 2.
• Why do group 1 elements become more reactive as you go down the group?

  Group 1 elements become more reactive as you go down because they get larger and lose electrons more easily.
• What is the trend in reactivity among groups 1, 2, and 3?

  Group 1 is more reactive than group 2, which is more reactive than group 3.
• What is the purpose of the reactivity series?

  The reactivity series ranks metals from most reactive to least reactive based on their ability to lose electrons.
• What is the mnemonic used to remember the order of metals in the reactivity series?

  • Please send lions cats monkeys and cuddly zebras in lead huge cages securely guarded pronto.
• What is the first metal in the reactivity series?

  Potassium
• What happens when metals react with acids?

  Metals react with acids to produce hydrogen gas, a metal salt, and heat energy.
• How can you test for hydrogen gas produced in a reaction with an acid?

  You can use the squeaky pop test to detect hydrogen gas.
• What does the reaction between magnesium and hydrochloric acid produce?

  The reaction produces magnesium chloride and hydrogen gas.
• What does the symbol equation for the reaction between magnesium and hydrochloric acid look like?


  The symbol equation is $Mg +$$2HCl \rightarrow MgCl_2 +$$H_2$.
• Why is magnesium considered more reactive than hydrogen in the reaction with hydrochloric acid?

  Magnesium is more reactive because it can displace hydrogen from hydrochloric acid.
• What is the independent variable in the experiment with metals and acids?

  The independent variable is the type of metal used in the experiment.
• Why is it important to control variables in the experiment with metals and acids?

  Controlling variables ensures that the differences observed are due to the type of metal used.
• What are the five different metals mentioned in the study material?

  Magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, and calcium
• Why would a teacher demonstrate the reaction of metals with acid instead of a student?

  Because the metals are very reactive
• What safety equipment should be worn during the demonstration of reactive metals with acid?

  Goggles
• What is the independent variable in the experiment with metals and acid?

  The type of metal used
• What is the dependent variable in the experiment with metals and acid?

  The rate of production of hydrogen gas
• What must be controlled to ensure valid results in the metal and acid experiment?

  The type of acid, volume of acid, concentration of acid, mass of metals, and condition of metals
• How would you determine which metal is the most reactive in the experiment?

  By measuring the amount of hydrogen gas produced
• Which metal produced the most hydrogen gas in the experiment?

  Calcium
• Rank the metals in order of reactivity based on the experiment results.

  Calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper
• What type of salts are produced when metals react with hydrochloric acid?

  Metal chlorides
• What is produced when magnesium reacts with sulfuric acid?

  Magnesium sulfate and hydrogen
• How does the naming convention differ between zinc chloride and potassium sulfate?

  Zinc chloride ends in -ide because it has two elements, while potassium sulfate ends in -ate because it has three elements including oxygen
• What happens when lithium, sodium, and potassium react with water?

  They produce metal hydroxides and hydrogen gas
• Why do lithium, sodium, and potassium float on water?

  Because they have a very low density
• What is the general reaction of metals with water?

  Metals form metal hydroxides and produce hydrogen gas
• Which metals do not react with water?

  Zinc, iron, and copper
• How do group two metals react with water compared to group one metals?

  Group two metals react more slowly than group one metals
• What is produced when calcium reacts with water?

  Calcium hydroxide and hydrogen
• What is the chemical equation for magnesium reacting with water?

  Magnesium + Water → Magnesium hydroxide + Hydrogen