Reactivity of Metals

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the reactivity of metals, including reactivity series, reactions with water, and the properties of specific metals.

Reactivity Series

A list of metals arranged in order of decreasing reactivity.

Order of reactivity series

Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, Aluminium, Zinc, Iron, Copper'.

Reaction of metals with water

Reactive metals react with cold water to produce a metal hydroxide and hydrogen.

What happens to potassium and sodium in air?

They are stored under oil to prevent reactions with oxygen and moisture.

Example of a reaction between metal and water

The general equation is: metal + water → metal hydroxide + hydrogen.

Why do some metals burn brightly?

Metals like magnesium burn brightly with a white light due to their high reactivity.

Unreactive metals example

Gold does not burn and is considered unreactive.

Why are metals tested for reactivity?

To understand and classify them in the reactivity series.