IGCSE Chemistry Chapter 13: The Behaviour of Metals

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering metal properties, reactions, the reactivity series, redox definitions, thermal decomposition, and rust prevention from Chapter 13.

Malleable

A physical property describing a material that can be hammered into shape without breaking.

Ductile

A physical property describing a material that can be drawn out into wires.

Sonorous

A physical property describing a material that makes a ringing sound when struck.

Brittle

A physical property describing a material that breaks or shatters easily when struck.

Density

The mass per unit volume of a substance, calculated as $\text{Density} = \text{mass} \div \text{volume}$ ($\rho = \frac{m}{V}$).

Reactivity series

An ordered ranking of elements (metals along with reference non-metals carbon and hydrogen) by their chemical reactivity, from most reactive to least reactive.

Displacement

A chemical reaction in which a more reactive element displaces or replaces a less reactive element from an oxide or an aqueous salt solution.

Oxidation

The loss of electrons during a chemical reaction, or the gain of oxygen.

Reduction

The gain of electrons during a chemical reaction, or the loss of oxygen.

Redox

A reaction in which oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously together via electron transfer.

OIL RIG

A mnemonic used to remember redox electron transfers: Oxidation Is Loss; Reduction Is Gain (of electrons).

Reducing agent

A substance that acts as an electron donor in a redox reaction and is itself oxidised.

Oxidising agent

A substance that acts as an electron acceptor in a redox reaction and is itself reduced.

Thermal decomposition

A chemical reaction in which a compound breaks down into simpler substances upon being heated.

Exothermic

A chemical reaction or physical process that transfers energy to its surroundings.

Rusting

The chemical corrosion of iron requiring both oxygen and water to produce hydrated iron(III) oxide ($Fe_2O_3 \cdot xH_2O$).

Hydrated

Describing a chemical substance that contains chemically associated water molecules within its structure.

Galvanising

The process of coating iron or steel with a protective layer of zinc, offering both a barrier and sacrificial protection even if scratched.

Sacrificial protection

A method of corrosion prevention where a more reactive metal (such as $Mg$ or $Zn$) is attached to iron or steel so it oxidises and loses electrons instead.

Thermite reaction

A highly exothermic displacement reaction ($2Al(s) + Fe_2O_3(s) \rightarrow Al_2O_3(s) + 2Fe(l)$) in which aluminium powder reduces iron(III) oxide to produce molten iron used for welding railway tracks.

Barrier methods

Methods of rust prevention (such as paint, oil/grease, plastic, or tin coatings) that physically exclude oxygen and water from reaching iron or steel.

Alkali metals

The group of soft, highly reactive metals found in Group I of the Periodic Table that react violently with cold water.

Alkaline earth metals

The metallic elements found in Group II of the Periodic Table.