CHEMISTRY METALS, CALCULATIONS & RATE OF REACTION

Metals found free in nature

No chemical change occurs as metals exist as atoms. Examples of metals are Au and Ag which are the least reactive metals on the SRT table. Extraction method involves physical separation, therefore this method requires the least energy when compared to Roasting, Carbon Reduction and Electrolysis.

Roasting

Ions change into electrons, electrons are transfered from chemicals excluding the metal. Extraction method- Metal is heated strongly in the presence of O2. As a result of reaction occured metal is reduced (gain of electrons) Examples that require this method are Cu and Pb that are more reactive than Au and Ag according to SRT. Therefore this method requires more energy.

Carbon Reduction

Examples of metals are Cu, Pb, Fe, Zn. Metal ionic compounds are heated strongly in the presence of Carbon resulting in metal being reduced. This method requires more energy than the ‘Found free in nature’ method which involves physical seperation and ‘Roasting’—> required for more reactive metals.

Electrolysis

Examples of metals are (Cu, Pb, Fe, Zn) and Al-K. As K is the most reactive metal, this method requires the most energy compared to ‘Found free in nature’ method which requires Physical separation, Roasting and Carbon reduction. Electrolysis involves electricity being forced through metal ionic compouns, as a result the metal gain electrons which is known as reduction.

Relationship between the attraction of metals to electons

The less reactive a metal, the stronger its attraction to its electrons. This makes the metal more stable in its metallic form.

Less reactive metals are harder to extract because their ions are less likely to gain or lose electrons easily. This means they require more powerful methods of reduction or extraction to form stable electron configurations.

For example, highly reactive metals like potassium (K) can only be extracted through electrolysis, a process that requires a lot of energy.

Increased Concentration

Increased frequency of collision between particles (greater number of particles). Therfore this results in an increased rate of reaction.

Increased temperature

Increased frequency of collision between speed and energy particles (as the speed and energy of particles increase due to more kinetic energy). Therfore this results in an increased rate of reaction.

Larger Surface Area

Larger frequence of collsion between particles of the chemical (as more particles are available to react with other substances). Therefore this results in an increased rate of reaction.

Metals that are least reactive

Least likely to lose e-

Metals that are most reactive

Most likely to lose e-

Ions that are least reactive

Most likely to gain e-

Ionss that are most reactive

Least likely to gain e-

Conditions required for a chemical reaction

Reactants collide- collide with the correct oriention and Collide with enough energy to break the bonds of the reactants so products can be formed

Catalyst

A chemical that speeds up the rate of reaction without being consumed- by providing a separate reaction pathway allowing reactant particles to turn into products with less energy