Chemistry Exam Summary

Chemistry Exam Flashcards

Reactivity Series

Ranks metals based on their ability to lose electrons and react with acids, oxygen, and water.

Highly Reactive Metals

Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Calcium (Ca); react violently with water and acids.

Moderately Reactive Metals

Magnesium (Mg), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe); react readily with acids, but slower with water.

Least Reactive Metals

Copper (Cu), Silver (Ag), Gold (Au); do not react with acids or water.

Displacement Reaction

A more reactive metal can replace a less reactive metal from its compound.

Rate of Reaction

Tells us how fast a chemical reaction occurs.

Temperature (Reaction Rate)

Higher temperature increases kinetic energy, causing particles to collide more frequently.

Concentration (Reaction Rate)

More reactant particles = higher chance of successful collisions.

Surface Area (Reaction Rate)

More exposed particles lead to faster reactions (e.g., powdered reactants react faster than lumps).

Catalyst

Speeds up reactions without being consumed.

Pressure (Reaction Rate)

Higher pressure forces particles closer together, increasing reaction rate (for gases).

Electrolysis

Method of extraction for highly reactive metals (e.g., Al, Na, K).

Reduction using Carbon

Method of extraction for moderately reactive metals (e.g., Zn, Fe, Pb).

Roasting

Method of extraction for low-reactivity metals (e.g., Cu, Ag, Au).

Blast Furnace

Used to extract iron from its ore (Haematite - Fe₂O₃).

Haematite

Iron ore; Fe₂O₃.

Salt

Formed when an acid reacts with a base; consists of a cation (positive ion from the base) and an anion (negative ion from the acid).

Cation

Positive ion from the base in a salt.

Anion

Negative ion from the acid in a salt.

Soluble Salts

All sodium, potassium, and ammonium salts and all nitrates.

Insoluble Salts

Silver chloride, lead chloride, barium sulfate, calcium sulfate, lead sulfate, and most carbonates except sodium, potassium, and ammonium carbonates.

Neutralization

Acid + Base → Salt + Water

Sulfate

Salt formed from sulfuric acid.

Chloride

Salt formed from hydrochloric acid.

Nitrate

Salt formed from nitric acid.

Alkalis

Soluble bases containing hydroxide ions (OH⁻ (aq)).

Titration

Method of making salts using alkalis.

Ammonium Salts

Used in fertilizers; formed from ammonia.

Precipitation

Method of preparing insoluble salts by mixing two solutions containing necessary ions.

Synthesis (Combination) Reaction

Two or more reactants combine to form a single product: A + B → AB.

Decomposition Reaction

A single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances: AB → A + B.

Metal Carbonates (Decomposition)

Break down into metal oxide + CO₂ (Example: CaCO₃ → CaO + CO₂).

Metal Hydroxides (Decomposition)

Break down into metal oxide + Water (Example: Cu(OH)₂ → CuO + H₂O).

Metal Chlorates (Decomposition)

Break down into metal chloride + Oxygen (Example: 2KClO₃ → 2KCl + 3O₂).

Single Displacement Reaction

One element replaces another in a compound: AB + C → AC + B.

Oxidation

Metals lose electrons and become positive ions.

Reduction

Non-metals gain electrons and become negative ions.

Double Displacement Reaction

Ions in two compounds swap places: AB + CD → AD + CB.

Combustion Reaction

A hydrocarbon reacts with oxygen gas, producing carbon dioxide and water: CxHy + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O.

Fuel

A hydrocarbon; required for combustion.

Ignition Source

Heat/Spark; required for combustion.

Potassium (K)

A highly reactive metal that reacts violently with water and acids.

Magnesium (Mg)

A moderately reactive metal that reacts readily with acids, but slower with water.

Copper (Cu)

A least reactive metal that does not react with acids or water.

Zinc (Zn)

A moderately reactive metal that reacts readily with acids, but slower with water.

Silver (Ag)

A least reactive metal that does not react with acids or water.

Gold (Au)

A least reactive metal that does not react with acids or water.

Sodium (Na)

A highly reactive metal that reacts violently with water and acids.

Calcium (Ca)

A highly reactive metal that reacts violently with water and acids.

Iron (Fe)

A moderately reactive metal that reacts readily with acids, but slower with water.