Reactivity series Flashcards
How can a reactivity series be produced
The chemistry of the metals is studied by analysing their reactions with water and acids. The series can be used to place a group of metals in order of reactivity based on the observations of their reactions with water and acids
How do metals react with acids
Only metals above hydrogen in the reactivity series will react with dilute acids
The more reactive the metal then the more vigorous the reaction will be
Metals that are placed high on the reactivity series such as potassium and sodium are very dangerous and react explosively with acids
When acids react with metals they form a salt and hydrogen gas:
How do metal displacement reaction work
This means that a more reactive metal will displace a less reactive metal from its compounds.
Reacting a metal with a metal oxide (by heating)
Reacting a metal with an aqueous solution of a metal compound
How do displacement reaction occour between metals and aqueous solutions of metal salts
The reactivity between two metals can be compared using displacement reactions in salt solutions of one of the metals
This is easily seen as the more reactive metal slowly disappears from the solution, displacing the less reactive metal
What is Rusting
Rusting is a chemical reaction between iron, water and oxygen to form hydrated iron(III)oxide. Oxygen and water must be present for rusting to occur
Rusting is a redox process and it occurs faster in salty water since the presence of sodium chloride speeds up the reaction
What are the results of rusting
The nail on the left rusts as it is in contact with both air (which contains oxygen) and water
The nail in the middle does not rust as it is not in contact with air
The nail on the right does not rust as it is not in contact with water (calcium chloride absorbs any water molecules present due to moisture)
The results show that both air and water must be present for rusting to occur
What is one method to prevent rusting
Galvanising is a process where the iron to be protected is coated with a layer of zinc
If the coating is damaged or scratched, the iron is still protected from rusting because zinc preferentially corrodes as it is higher up the reactivity series than iron
Compared to iron it loses its electrons more readily:
What is oxidation
Oxidation is any reaction in which a substance gains oxygen
What is a reduction reaction
Reduction is a reaction in which a substance loses oxygen
What is a oxidation reaction in terms of electrons
They lose electrons
What is reduction in terms of electrons
they gain electrons electrons
What are the observation of magnesium reacting with acids
Dilute hydrochloric- gets hot, gas given off goes pop with a lighted splint colourless solution left
Dilute sulfuric acid- rapid bubbling splint goes pop, metal dissolves
What are the observation of iron reacting with acids
Dilute hydrochloric acid- Very slow bubbling
Dilute sulfuric acid- slow reaction, small bubbles seen
What are the observation of zinc reacting with acids
Dilute hydrochloric acid- bubbles given of metal slowly dissolves
Dilute sulfuric acid- Metal dissolves forming a colourless solution gas given off slowly
