Topic 2D - Reactivity series

Galvanising

A method of rust prevention where the iron or steel object is coated with a thin layer of zinc. This stops oxygen and water reaching the metal underneath.

Sacrificial protection

A more reactive metal than iron, attached to an iron or steel object to prevent the object from rusting

Reactivity series

Allows us to predict how metals will react. The most reactive element is at the top and the least reactive at the bottton

Oxidation

The gain of oxygen, or loss of electrons by a substance during a chemical reaction

Reduction

The loss of oxygen, gain of electrons, or gain of hydrogen by a substance during a chemical reaction

Oxidising agent

A substance that oxidises another substance in a chemical reaction. It is reduced in the process

Reducing agent

A substance that reduces another substance n a chemical reaction. It is oxidised in the process.

Rusting

An example of an oxidation reaction

How does potassium react with water

Potassium reacts violently

How does sodium react with water

Sodium reacts very quickly

How does lithium react with water

Lithium reacts quickly

How does calcium react with water

Calcium reacts slowly

How does magnesium react with water

Magnesium reacts very slowly

How does calcium react with acid

Calcium reacts very quickly

How does magnesium react with acid

Magnesium reacts quickly

How does zinc react with acid

Slowly

How does iron react with acid

More slowly than zinc

How does copper react with acid

Very slowly

Why is carbon and hydrogen included in the reactivity series

They can be used to extract metals

How is aluminium extracted from its ores

With electrolysis. This is splitting it with electricity

Displacement reactions of metal oxides

A more reactive metal will displace a less reactive metal from a compound

Thermite reaction

Used to produce white hot molten iron in remote locations for welding

Aluminium + Iron (III) oxide -->

Iron + aluminium oxide

Magnesium + Copper (II) sulphate -->

copper + magnesium sulphate

Rust

Hydrated iron (III) oxide

Iron + water + oxygen

--> hydrated iron (III) oxide

What is needed to for rust to form

Water and oxygen

What can speed up rusting

Salt water and acid rain

Redox reaction

A reaction where oxidation and reduction take place at the same time in a reaction

Reactivity series order?

Potassium	P - People
Sodium	S- say
Lithium	L - little
Calcium	C - children
Magnesium	M - make
Aluminium	A - A
Carbon	C - Crazy
Zinc	Z - Zebra
Iron	I - Ill
Hydrogen	He
Copper	C - Constantly
Silver	S - sniffing
Gold	G - gold