Define reactivity series .

The reactivity series is a list of metals arranged in order of decreasing reactivity, based on their reactions with water and dilute acids .

Which metals react vigorously with cold water?

Potassium (reacts most violently) Sodium Lithium Calcium (reacts less strongly)

The general equation for a metal reacting with an acid is: metal + acid → .......... + .......... .

The general equation for a metal reacting with an acid is: metal + acid → salt + hydrogen .

True or False? Copper reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen gas.

False. Only metals above hydrogen in the reactivity series react with dilute acids. Copper is below hydrogen in the reactivity series and so does not react with dilute hydrochloric acid .

What products form when magnesium reacts with dilute sulfuric acid?

When magnesium reacts with dilute sulfuric acid, magnesium sulfate (MgSO 4 ) and hydrogen gas (H 2 ) are produced.

When calcium reacts with water the products are .......... and .......... .

When calcium reacts with water the products are calcium hydroxide and hydrogen .

Why is it dangerous to add potassium or sodium to dilute acid?

Potassium and sodium are very high in the reactivity series and react explosively with dilute acids, making the reaction extremely hazardous.

True or False? Magnesium reacts rapidly with cold water.

False. Magnesium reacts very slowly with cold water. It reacts rapidly with steam instead.

What is the balanced equation for zinc reacting with hydrochloric acid?

The balanced equation is: Zn (s) + 2HCl (aq) → ZnCl 2 (aq) + H 2 (g). Zinc chloride and hydrogen gas are produced.

Define displacement reaction (metals).

A displacement reaction is a reaction in which a more reactive metal pushes out (displaces) a less reactive metal from its compound.

What condition must be met for a metal to displace another from its compound?

The metal being added must be more reactive than the metal in the compound. A less reactive metal cannot displace a more reactive one.

True or False? Zinc displaces copper from copper(II) sulfate solution.

True. Zinc is more reactive than copper , so it can displace copper from copper(II) sulfate solution, forming zinc sulfate and copper metal.

When zinc reacts with copper(II) oxide the products are .......... and .......... .

When zinc reacts with copper(II) oxide the products are zinc oxide and copper .

What colour change is observed when magnesium is added to copper(II) sulfate solution?

The blue colour of the copper(II) sulfate solution fades as colourless magnesium sulfate solution forms. Solid copper metal coats the magnesium and falls to the bottom.

True or False? Magnesium can displace sodium from sodium oxide.

False. Sodium is above magnesium in the reactivity series, so magnesium cannot displace sodium from sodium oxide . No reaction occurs.

In the reaction Mg + CuSO 4 → .......... + .......... , magnesium displaces copper because it is more .......... .

In the reaction Mg + CuSO 4 → MgSO 4 + Cu , magnesium displaces copper because it is more reactive .

What are two types of displacement reaction used to compare metal reactivity?

The two types are reactions between metals and metal oxides (heated) and reactions between metals and aqueous solutions of metal salts .

Define reducing agent in the context of metal displacement.

A reducing agent is the substance that removes oxygen from a metal oxide in a displacement reaction . In the reaction Zn + CuO → ZnO + Cu, zinc is the reducing agent.

Which metal is most reactive and which is least reactive in the reactivity series?

Potassium is the most reactive metal in the series. Gold is the least reactive metal in the series.

True or False? Aluminium is more reactive than zinc.

True. Aluminium sits above zinc in the reactivity series , making it the more reactive of the two metals.

Complete the order: K > Na > Li > .......... > Mg > Al > .......... > Fe > Cu > .......... > Au.

Complete the order: K > Na > Li > Ca > Mg > Al > Zn > Fe > Cu > Ag > Au.

Define reactivity series .

The reactivity series is a list of metals arranged from most to least reactive: potassium, sodium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, zinc, iron, copper, silver, gold.

True or False? Gold is more reactive than copper.

False. Gold is the least reactive metal in the reactivity series and sits well below copper , making it far less reactive.

Place iron, zinc and magnesium in order of decreasing reactivity.

In order of decreasing reactivity: magnesium > zinc > iron .

The mnemonic for the reactivity series starts: "Please Send .......... Cats .......... …"

The mnemonic for the reactivity series starts: "Please Send Lions Cats Monkeys …" representing potassium, sodium, lithium, calcium, magnesium.

What does it mean that potassium is at the top of the reactivity series?

Being at the top means potassium is the most reactive metal in the series. It reacts very vigorously, often violently, with water and acids, and is difficult to store safely.

True or False? Silver is more reactive than copper.

False. Copper sits above silver in the reactivity series , making copper the more reactive of the two. This means copper can displace silver from solutions of silver salts.

Rusting is the corrosion of iron when it reacts with both water and oxygen to form hydrated iron oxide .

True or False? Iron will rust if it is in contact with oxygen alone, even without water.

False. Both water and oxygen must be present for iron to rust. Either condition alone is insufficient.

For iron to rust, both .......... and .......... must be present.

For iron to rust, both water and oxygen must be present.

Why does rust cause iron structures to weaken over time?

Rust is porous and flakes off the surface, exposing fresh iron beneath. This allows further rusting to continue until the structure is fully corroded.

Galvanising is a rust prevention method in which iron is coated with a layer of zinc , either by electroplating or dipping in molten zinc.

True or False? Galvanising protects iron by a barrier method only.

False. Galvanising provides protection by both a barrier method and sacrificial protection . If the zinc coating is scratched, the zinc still corrodes preferentially to protect the iron beneath.

How does sacrificial protection prevent iron from rusting?

A more reactive metal (such as zinc) is attached to the iron. The more reactive metal is oxidised preferentially, protecting the iron from corrosion.

In sacrificial protection, a .......... reactive metal is attached to iron so that it corrodes .......... than the iron.

In sacrificial protection, a more reactive metal is attached to iron so that it corrodes first (preferentially) than the iron.

Give three barrier methods used to prevent iron from rusting.

Barrier methods include: Paint Oil or grease Electroplating

Define oxidation (in terms of oxygen).

Oxidation is a reaction in which a substance gains oxygen .

Define reduction (in terms of oxygen).

Reduction is a reaction in which a substance loses oxygen .

True or False? Oxidation and reduction can occur independently in a reaction.

False. Oxidation and reduction always occur simultaneously. A reaction in which both take place is called a redox reaction .

In terms of electrons, oxidation is the .......... of electrons and reduction is the .......... of electrons.

In terms of electrons, oxidation is the loss of electrons and reduction is the gain of electrons.

What is an oxidising agent?

An oxidising agent is a substance that oxidises another species in a reaction. It is itself reduced and therefore gains electrons .

In the reaction Zn + CuO → ZnO + Cu, identify the substance that is oxidised and the oxidising agent.

Zinc (Zn) is oxidised as it gains oxygen. Copper(II) oxide (CuO) is the oxidising agent as it supplies the oxygen and is itself reduced.

True or False? In the reaction Mg + Cu 2+ → Mg 2+ + Cu, magnesium is reduced.

False. Magnesium loses electrons to form Mg 2+ , so it is oxidised . It is Cu 2+ that gains electrons and is reduced to Cu.

In a displacement reaction between magnesium and copper sulfate solution, magnesium .......... electrons and is .......... , while Cu 2+ .......... electrons and is .......... .

In a displacement reaction between magnesium and copper sulfate solution, magnesium loses electrons and is oxidised , while Cu 2+ gains electrons and is reduced .

What are spectator ions and why are they omitted from ionic equations?

Spectator ions are ions that appear unchanged on both sides of an equation. They do not participate in the reaction and are omitted to give a simpler ionic equation .

When magnesium reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid, the products are .......... and .......... gas.

When magnesium reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid, the products are magnesium chloride and hydrogen gas.

True or False? Magnesium reacts more vigorously with dilute acid than zinc does.

True. Magnesium is higher in the reactivity series than zinc , so it reacts more quickly and vigorously with dilute acids.

How is hydrogen gas identified in the metals and acids practical?

A lighted splint is held at the mouth of the test tube. If hydrogen is present, it burns with a squeaky pop sound.

Place magnesium, zinc and iron in order of reactivity with dilute acids, from most to least reactive.

From most to least reactive: Magnesium Zinc Iron

The equation for zinc reacting with dilute sulfuric acid is: Zn (s) + .......... → ZnSO 4 (aq) + .......... (g)

The equation for zinc reacting with dilute sulfuric acid is: Zn (s) + H 2 SO 4 (aq) → ZnSO 4 (aq) + H 2 (g)

IGCSEScienceEdexcelScience (Double Award)ChemistryFlashcards2. Inorganic ChemistryReactivity Series

Reactivity Series (Edexcel IGCSE Science (Double Award): Chemistry): Flashcards

Exam code: 4SD0

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FrontMetals Reacting with Water & Acids
Define reactivity series.
FrontMetals Reacting with Water & Acids
Which metals react vigorously with cold water?
BackMetals Reacting with Water & Acids
Potassium (reacts most violently)
Sodium
Lithium
Calcium (reacts less strongly)

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Cards in this collection (53)

Define reactivity series.
The reactivity series is a list of metals arranged in order of decreasing reactivity, based on their reactions with water and dilute acids.
Which metals react vigorously with cold water?
1. Potassium (reacts most violently)
2. Sodium
3. Lithium
4. Calcium (reacts less strongly)
The general equation for a metal reacting with an acid is: metal + acid → .......... + .......... .
The general equation for a metal reacting with an acid is: metal + acid → salt + hydrogen.
True or False?
Copper reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen gas.
False.
Only metals above hydrogen in the reactivity series react with dilute acids. Copper is below hydrogen in the reactivity series and so does not react with dilute hydrochloric acid.
What products form when magnesium reacts with dilute sulfuric acid?
When magnesium reacts with dilute sulfuric acid, magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) and hydrogen gas (H₂) are produced.
When calcium reacts with water the products are .......... and .......... .
When calcium reacts with water the products are calcium hydroxide and hydrogen.
Why is it dangerous to add potassium or sodium to dilute acid?
Potassium and sodium are very high in the reactivity series and react explosively with dilute acids, making the reaction extremely hazardous.
True or False?
Magnesium reacts rapidly with cold water.
False.
Magnesium reacts very slowly with cold water. It reacts rapidly with steam instead.
What is the balanced equation for zinc reacting with hydrochloric acid?
The balanced equation is: Zn (s) + 2HCl (aq) → ZnCl₂ (aq) + H₂ (g). Zinc chloride and hydrogen gas are produced.
Define displacement reaction (metals).
A displacement reaction is a reaction in which a more reactive metal pushes out (displaces) a less reactive metal from its compound.
What condition must be met for a metal to displace another from its compound?
The metal being added must be more reactive than the metal in the compound. A less reactive metal cannot displace a more reactive one.
True or False?
Zinc displaces copper from copper(II) sulfate solution.
True.
Zinc is more reactive than copper, so it can displace copper from copper(II) sulfate solution, forming zinc sulfate and copper metal.
When zinc reacts with copper(II) oxide the products are .......... and .......... .
When zinc reacts with copper(II) oxide the products are zinc oxide and copper.
What colour change is observed when magnesium is added to copper(II) sulfate solution?
The blue colour of the copper(II) sulfate solution fades as colourless magnesium sulfate solution forms. Solid copper metal coats the magnesium and falls to the bottom.
True or False?
Magnesium can displace sodium from sodium oxide.
False.
Sodium is above magnesium in the reactivity series, so magnesium cannot displace sodium from sodium oxide. No reaction occurs.
In the reaction Mg + CuSO₄ → .......... + .........., magnesium displaces copper because it is more .......... .
In the reaction Mg + CuSO₄ → MgSO₄ + Cu, magnesium displaces copper because it is more reactive.
What are two types of displacement reaction used to compare metal reactivity?
The two types are reactions between metals and metal oxides (heated) and reactions between metals and aqueous solutions of metal salts.
Define reducing agent in the context of metal displacement.
A reducing agent is the substance that removes oxygen from a metal oxide in a displacement reaction. In the reaction Zn + CuO → ZnO + Cu, zinc is the reducing agent.
Which metal is most reactive and which is least reactive in the reactivity series?
Potassium is the most reactive metal in the series. Gold is the least reactive metal in the series.
True or False?
Aluminium is more reactive than zinc.
True.
Aluminium sits above zinc in the reactivity series, making it the more reactive of the two metals.
Complete the order: K > Na > Li > .......... > Mg > Al > .......... > Fe > Cu > .......... > Au.
Complete the order: K > Na > Li > Ca > Mg > Al > Zn > Fe > Cu > Ag > Au.
Define reactivity series.
The reactivity series is a list of metals arranged from most to least reactive: potassium, sodium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, zinc, iron, copper, silver, gold.
True or False?
Gold is more reactive than copper.
False.
Gold is the least reactive metal in the reactivity series and sits well below copper, making it far less reactive.
Place iron, zinc and magnesium in order of decreasing reactivity.
In order of decreasing reactivity: magnesium > zinc > iron.
The mnemonic for the reactivity series starts: "Please Send .......... Cats .......... …"
The mnemonic for the reactivity series starts: "Please Send Lions Cats Monkeys…" representing potassium, sodium, lithium, calcium, magnesium.
What does it mean that potassium is at the top of the reactivity series?
Being at the top means potassium is the most reactive metal in the series. It reacts very vigorously, often violently, with water and acids, and is difficult to store safely.
True or False?
Silver is more reactive than copper.
False.
Copper sits above silver in the reactivity series, making copper the more reactive of the two. This means copper can displace silver from solutions of silver salts.
Define rusting.
Rusting is the corrosion of iron when it reacts with both water and oxygen to form hydrated iron oxide.
True or False?
Iron will rust if it is in contact with oxygen alone, even without water.
False.
Both water and oxygen must be present for iron to rust. Either condition alone is insufficient.
For iron to rust, both .......... and .......... must be present.
For iron to rust, both water and oxygen must be present.
Why does rust cause iron structures to weaken over time?
Rust is porous and flakes off the surface, exposing fresh iron beneath. This allows further rusting to continue until the structure is fully corroded.
Define galvanising.
Galvanising is a rust prevention method in which iron is coated with a layer of zinc, either by electroplating or dipping in molten zinc.
True or False?
Galvanising protects iron by a barrier method only.
False.
Galvanising provides protection by both a barrier method and sacrificial protection. If the zinc coating is scratched, the zinc still corrodes preferentially to protect the iron beneath.
How does sacrificial protection prevent iron from rusting?
A more reactive metal (such as zinc) is attached to the iron. The more reactive metal is oxidised preferentially, protecting the iron from corrosion.
In sacrificial protection, a .......... reactive metal is attached to iron so that it corrodes .......... than the iron.
In sacrificial protection, a more reactive metal is attached to iron so that it corrodes first (preferentially) than the iron.
Give three barrier methods used to prevent iron from rusting.
Barrier methods include:
1. Paint
2. Oil or grease
3. Electroplating
Define oxidation (in terms of oxygen).
Oxidation is a reaction in which a substance gains oxygen.
Define reduction (in terms of oxygen).
Reduction is a reaction in which a substance loses oxygen.
True or False?
Oxidation and reduction can occur independently in a reaction.
False.
Oxidation and reduction always occur simultaneously. A reaction in which both take place is called a redox reaction.
In terms of electrons, oxidation is the .......... of electrons and reduction is the .......... of electrons.
In terms of electrons, oxidation is the loss of electrons and reduction is the gain of electrons.
What is an oxidising agent?
An oxidising agent is a substance that oxidises another species in a reaction. It is itself reduced and therefore gains electrons.
In the reaction Zn + CuO → ZnO + Cu, identify the substance that is oxidised and the oxidising agent.
Zinc (Zn) is oxidised as it gains oxygen. Copper(II) oxide (CuO) is the oxidising agent as it supplies the oxygen and is itself reduced.
True or False?
In the reaction Mg + Cu²⁺ → Mg²⁺ + Cu, magnesium is reduced.
False.
Magnesium loses electrons to form Mg²⁺, so it is oxidised. It is Cu²⁺ that gains electrons and is reduced to Cu.
In a displacement reaction between magnesium and copper sulfate solution, magnesium .......... electrons and is .........., while Cu²⁺ .......... electrons and is .......... .
In a displacement reaction between magnesium and copper sulfate solution, magnesium loses electrons and is oxidised, while Cu²⁺ gains electrons and is reduced.
What are spectator ions and why are they omitted from ionic equations?
Spectator ions are ions that appear unchanged on both sides of an equation. They do not participate in the reaction and are omitted to give a simpler ionic equation.
What two products are formed when a metal reacts with a dilute acid?
1. A metal salt
2. Hydrogen gas
When magnesium reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid, the products are .......... and .......... gas.
When magnesium reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid, the products are magnesium chloride and hydrogen gas.
True or False?
Magnesium reacts more vigorously with dilute acid than zinc does.
True.
Magnesium is higher in the reactivity series than zinc, so it reacts more quickly and vigorously with dilute acids.
How is hydrogen gas identified in the metals and acids practical?
A lighted splint is held at the mouth of the test tube. If hydrogen is present, it burns with a squeaky pop sound.
Place magnesium, zinc and iron in order of reactivity with dilute acids, from most to least reactive.
From most to least reactive:
1. Magnesium
2. Zinc
3. Iron
The equation for zinc reacting with dilute sulfuric acid is: Zn (s) + .......... → ZnSO₄ (aq) + .......... (g)
The equation for zinc reacting with dilute sulfuric acid is: Zn (s) + H₂SO₄ (aq) → ZnSO₄ (aq) + H₂ (g)
True or False?
The three metals magnesium, zinc and iron all react differently with hydrochloric acid compared to sulfuric acid.
False.
The three metals react in the same way with both dilute hydrochloric acid and dilute sulfuric acid. In each case a metal salt and hydrogen gas are produced.
Why must safety glasses be worn when investigating metals reacting with acids?
Dilute acids are corrosive and the reaction produces hydrogen gas with vigorous bubbling. Safety glasses protect the eyes from splashes and gas.

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