Reactions of Metals

Question 1

what is produced when metals react with acids?

Answer 1

acid + metal -> salt + hydrogen

(MASH)

Question 2

how can you work out how reactive metals are?

Answer 2

by reacting them with dilute acids - the more reactive the metal, the faster the reaction
(very reactive metals react explosively)

Question 3

how to investigate the differences in reactivity of a variety of metals by using their reaction with acids

Answer 3

1. set up 3 boiling tubes and fill them with equal volumes of dilute hydrochloric acid or dilute sulfuric acid
2. then place pieces of magnesium, zinc and iron in separate test tubes - make sure the size and shape of the metal pieces are the same
3. the speed of the reaction is indicated by the rate at which the bubbles of hydrogen are given off
4. the hydrogen is confirmed by the burning splint test - the magnesium should give the loudest squeaky pop as it has the most vigorous reaction producing the most hydrogen gas
   NOTE: zinc and iron react more slowly but if you heat them up they will react more strongly

Question 4

what is produced when metals react with water?

Answer 4

metal + water -> metal hydroxide + hydrogen

Question 5

what is produced when less reactive metals react with steam?

Answer 5

less reactive metal + steam -> metal oxide + hydrogen

Question 6

which metals react vigorously with water?

Answer 6

potassium, sodium, lithium and calcium

Question 7

the amount of energy given out by the reaction ______ with the reactivity of the metal

Answer 7

increases

Question 8

the reaction between potassium and water gives out enough energy to…

Answer 8

ignite hydrogen

Question 9

what metals don’t react much with cold water but WILL react with steam?

Answer 9

magnesium, zinc and iron

Question 10

which metal does not react with water or steam?

Answer 10

copper