STUDENT SPACE · TOPIC 4

Reactivity evidence and extraction

Deduce a reactivity order and connect it to extraction.

The essentials

Decreasing reactivity from left to right K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, C, Zn, Fe, H, Cu, Ag, Au
Metals above hydrogen can displace hydrogen from dilute hydrochloric acid.
If A displaces B from B²⁺ solution, then A is more reactive than B.

Try each question before opening its hint or answer. Use paper for calculations and diagrams.

Name the two non-metal reference elements in the reactivity series.

Need a hint for Question 1?

Turn each positive displacement result into a “more reactive than” comparison.

Check Question 1

Carbon and hydrogen.

Put Mg, Zn and Cu in decreasing reactivity. State which react with dilute HCl.

Need a hint for Question 2?

Locate each metal relative to hydrogen.

Check Question 2

Mg > Zn > Cu. Mg and Zn are above hydrogen and react. Cu does not.

Explain why carbon can reduce zinc oxide but cannot be used to extract aluminium from aluminium oxide.

Need a hint for Question 3?

Compare each metal's reactivity with carbon.

Check Question 3

Zinc is below carbon. Aluminium is above carbon and its oxide is too stable for carbon reduction, so electrolysis is needed.

Use Lesson 4 in your worksheet for written practice. Your teacher will discuss those answers in class.