In this I/GCSE Chemistry blog post, we will be looking at the reactivity of the different metals, as well as the extraction of the metals, let's go!
When metals react with water, observations can be easily made. e.g. fizzing, effervescing, flame colour.
Order of reactivity:
- Potassium - lilac flame
- Sodium - yellow flame
- Lithium - red flame
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Iron
- Copper
Magnesium does not react with water, but it does react with steam.
Zinc is protected by a layer of oxide, which makes it unreactive, so it is used as a galvaniser for roofing, and buckets.
All of the above are increasingly reactive with acid, and even zinc reacts slowly with acid. Hydrogen is produced when these are added to acid.
Ionic compound conduct electricity when in molten or in solution because the conducting of charge is due to movement of electrons.
If electrons which can move are available then the compound will be a good conductor.
In case of ionic compounds the molevules of the compound get ionized when dissolved in water or in the molten state giving ions.
- Iron rusts when it is exposed to either oxygen or water.
- Rust = Fe2O3.xH20 (the amount of water varies)
- Rust = hydrated iron (III) oxide.
- Grease, Oil, paint and plastic provide a barrier to stop both air and water geting at the metal.
- Galvanising means that a Zinc layer protects the iron.
Zinc is more reactive than iron, but zinc can't rust as it's protected by an oxide. (Sacrificial protection)
That is all!
References:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcord-ex.com%2Fnews%2F2018%2F04%2Fhow-to-control-erosion-and-corrosion%2F&psig=AOvVaw0SycE1joEfv1P1r0WnUaMj&ust=1628523852688000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCOC2qKPiofICFQAAAAAdAAAAABAJ
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsenecalearning.com%2Fen-GB%2Fdefinitions%2Freactivity-series%2F&psig=AOvVaw3HsxNWUFlwp7LC5nsDRH08&ust=1628523913765000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCKC9wL3iofICFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD