Reactivity Series and Rusting

Flashcards covering the reactivity series of metals, their reactions with water, acids, and oxygen, and methods of rust prevention.

Reactivity Series

A series used to place metals in order of reactivity based on their reactions with water and acids.

Mnemonic for Reactivity Series

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Reaction of Metals with Cold Water

More reactive metals react with cold water to form a metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

Reaction of Metals with Steam

Metals below calcium react with steam to form a metal oxide and hydrogen gas.

Reaction with Dilute Acids

Only metals above hydrogen in the reactivity series react with dilute acids.

Reaction with Oxygen

When metals react with oxygen, a metal oxide is formed.

Deducing the Order of Reactivity

Determined by observing the reactions between metals and water, acids and oxygen.

Explaining Reactivity

Metal atoms form positive ions by loss of electrons when they react with other substances.

Displacement Reactions

Any metal will displace another metal below it in the reactivity series from a solution of one of its salts.

OILRIG

Reduction is Gain of Electrons

Magnesium + Copper Sulfate Reaction

Magnesium displaces copper from copper sulfate solution.

Reactivity of Aluminium

Aluminium reacts readily with oxygen, forming a protective layer of aluminium oxide.

Rusting

Chemical reaction between iron, water, and oxygen to form hydrated iron(III) oxide.

Requirements for Rusting

Oxygen and water must be present for rust to occur.

Rust Prevention Methods

Coating iron with barriers such as grease, oil, paint, or plastic.

Sacrificial Protection

Using a more reactive metal to protect a less reactive metal from corrosion.

Galvanising

Coating iron with a layer of zinc to protect it from rusting.

Metal Hydroxide

A compound formed when a reactive metal reacts with cold water.

Metal Oxide

A compound formed when a metal reacts with steam or oxygen.

Salt

A compound formed when an acid reacts with a metal.

Oxidation

The process where a metal loses electrons.

Reduction

The process where a metal gains electrons

Mg > Zn > Fe > Cu > Ag

Order of reactivity of the metals tested.

Zinc

A metal used in galvanizing to protect iron from rusting.

Hydrated iron(III) oxide

The chemical name for rust.