Reactivity of Metals

What is oxidation?

When a substance gains oxygen.

What is reduction?

When a substance loses oxygen.

What is the reactivity series of metals?

The series shows the metals in order of their reactivity.

What are the trends in reactivities of metals in reactions with acids/water?

Metals above H₂ in the reactivity series react with acid to produce H₂. The more reactive the metal is, the quicker and more violent the reaction with acid occurs. Metals below H₂ don't react with acids. Not all metals above H₂ react with water - mostly Group I and II metals. Aluminium is the borderline case

What is a displacement reaction?

A reaction where a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from a compound

How are unreactive metals found in Earth?

In their natural state

How can metals less reactive than carbon be extracted?

Reduction with carbon. Carbon displaces the metal in a metal oxide - gets oxidised to carbon oxides. Metal from the metal oxide gets reduced to the pure metal

How are metals more reactive than carbon extracted?

By electrolysis

How is oxidation defined in terms of electron transfer?

Loss of electrons.

How is reduction defined in terms of electron transfer?

Gain of electrons

What mnemonic can help you remember how oxidation/reduction are defined in terms of electron transfer?

OILRIG - Oxidation Is Loss Reduction Is Gain

What is the general equation for a reaction between metals and acids? What type of reaction is this?

Metal + acid ⟶ salt + hydrogen. Redox reaction, also a displacement reaction

Which metals in the reactivity series will react with acid?

Those above hydrogen

What is a redox reaction? 

A reaction where both oxidation and reduction occurs.

Explain in terms of gain or loss of electrons which species has been oxidised and which species has been reduced when magnesium reacts with hydrochloric acid.

Magnesium has lost electrons and thus has been oxidised (Mg to Mg²⁺). The hydrogen in HCl has gained electrons and thus has been reduced (H⁺ to H₂)