Second year chemistry 3 - metals, cells and the reactivity series

How do displacement reactions work?

A metal pushes another less reactive metal out of a compound which is a salt. E.g. iron oxide + aluminium → iron + aluminium oxide.

What is the thermite reaction and its use?

aluminium + iron oxide → iron + aluminium oxide. Its use is to weld broken train tracks together.

What metal is used to galvanise iron?

Zinc. Another method to stop iron from rusting is putting magnesium blocks on it.

What is reduction in a chemical reaction?

Losing oxygen.

What is an electrode?

Two parts of a battery. The anode (one part) is less reactive and the cathode is more reactive.

What is an electrolyte?

The acid or alkali.

What is the test for hydrogen?

If there is hydrogen in a test tube and you hold a lit splint to it it will cause a pop sound. This is because hydrogen reacts with air and the splint ignites.