2. Inorganic Chemistry - Chemistry

What evidence shows Group 1 metals form a family?

They react similarly with water.

What is the trend in Group 1 reactivity?

Reactivity increases down the group.

How do Li, Na and K react with water?

Produce metal hydroxide + hydrogen.

Why does reactivity increase down Group 1?

Outer electron further from nucleus → easier to lose.

How can you predict the reactivity of other alkali metals?

Use group trends.

What is the colour and state of chlorine at room temperature?

Green gas.

What is the colour and state of bromine?

Red-brown liquid.

What is the colour and state of iodine?

Grey solid (purple vapour).

What is the trend in Group 7 physical properties?

Darker and higher melting/boiling points down the group.

What is the trend in Group 7 reactivity?

Reactivity decreases down the group.

What do halogen displacement reactions show?

More reactive halogens displace less reactive halides.

Why does reactivity decrease down Group 7?

Harder to gain electron (more shells → weaker attraction).

What are the four most abundant gases in dry air?

N₂ (~78%), O₂ (~21%), Ar (~1%), CO₂ (~0.04%).

How can oxygen percentage in air be measured?

React oxygen with a metal/non-metal and measure volume decrease.

How does magnesium burn in oxygen?

Bright white flame → magnesium oxide.

How does hydrogen burn in oxygen?

Explosive → water.

How does sulfur burn in oxygen?

Blue flame → sulfur dioxide.

How is CO₂ formed from metal carbonates?

Thermal decomposition.

Why is CO₂ a greenhouse gas?

Traps infrared radiation → warming.

How is the reactivity series determined?

By reactions with water, acids, and displacement reactions.

Which metals are most reactive?

Group 1 metals (K, Na, Li).

What is the order of reactivity from the exam specification?

K > Na > Li > Ca > Mg > Al > Zn > Fe > Cu > Ag > Au.

What conditions are needed for rusting?

Oxygen + water.

How can rusting be prevented?

Barrier method, galvanising, sacrificial protection.

What is oxidation in terms of oxygen?

Gain of oxygen.

What is reduction in terms of oxygen?

Loss of oxygen.

What is oxidation in terms of electrons?

Loss of electrons.

What is reduction in terms of electrons?

Gain of electrons.

What is a redox reaction?

Both oxidation and reduction occur.

What is an oxidising agent?

Causes oxidation by gaining electrons.

What is a reducing agent?

Causes reduction by losing electrons.

What is an ore?

Rock containing metal compounds.

Where are unreactive metals found?

As pure elements.

How is iron extracted?

Reduction with carbon in a blast furnace.

How is aluminium extracted?

By electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide.

Why is electrolysis used for aluminium?

Aluminium is too reactive for carbon reduction.

Why are alloys harder than pure metals?

Different-sized atoms distort layers → harder to slide.

What are the uses of aluminium?

Aircraft, cans (light, corrosion-resistant).

What are the uses of copper?

Wires, pipes (good conductor, malleable).

What are the uses of iron/steel?

Construction (strong); stainless steel for corrosion resistance.

What is the colour of litmus in acid?

Red.

What is the colour of litmus in alkali?

Blue.

What colour does phenolphthalein turn in alkali?

Pink.

What colour does methyl orange turn in acid?

Red.

What do acids release in water?

H⁺ ions.

What do alkalis release in water?

OH⁻ ions.

What is neutralisation?

Acid + alkali → salt + water.

What is a titration used for?

To find exact volumes for neutralisation.

Which compounds are always soluble?

All nitrates; sodium, potassium, ammonium salts.

Which chlorides are insoluble?

Silver and lead(II).

Which sulfates are insoluble?

Barium, calcium, lead(II).

Which carbonates are soluble?

Only sodium, potassium, ammonium.

What is a proton donor?

An acid.

What is a proton acceptor?

A base.

What are the products of acid + metal carbonate?

Salt + CO₂ + water.

What are examples of bases?

Metal oxides, hydroxides, ammonia.

How do you prepare a soluble salt?

Neutralise acid + alkali → evaporate solution.

What is the test for hydrogen?

Lit splint → squeaky pop.

What is the test for oxygen?

Relights glowing splint.

What is the test for carbon dioxide?

Turns limewater milky.

What is the test for ammonia?

Damp red litmus → blue.

What is the test for chlorine?

Damp litmus → bleaches.

What is the test for water using anhydrous copper sulfate?

White → blue.