Reactivity Series And Corrosion Of Metals

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Reactivity Series

The reactivity series lists metals in order of their reactivity based on reactions with water and acids.
Non-metals carbon and hydrogen are included for extraction and acid reactions.
Order (most to least reactive): Potassium > Sodium > Calcium > Magnesium > Aluminium > Carbon > Zinc > Iron > Hydrogen > Copper > Silver > Gold.
Mnemonic: 'Please send cats, monkeys and cute zebras into hot countries signed Gordon'.

Reactions with Water and Steam

Potassium, sodium, and calcium react with cold water to produce metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
Example: 2K(s) + 2H₂O(l) → 2KOH(aq) + H₂(g).
Magnesium reacts with steam to produce magnesium oxide and hydrogen: Mg(s) + H₂O(g) → MgO(s) + H₂(g).
Reactivity with water decreases down the series: potassium reacts violently, sodium quickly, calcium less strongly.

Reactions with Dilute Hydrochloric Acid

Metals above hydrogen in the series react with dilute HCl to form a salt and hydrogen gas.
Example: Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl₂(aq) + H₂(g).
The more reactive the metal, the more vigorous the reaction.
Metals below hydrogen (copper, silver, gold) do not react with dilute HCl.

Displacement Reactions

A more reactive metal can displace a less reactive metal from a solution of its salt.
Example: Mg(s) + CuSO₄(aq) → MgSO₄(aq) + Cu(s); blue colour fades as copper deposits.
Displacement occurs because more reactive metals lose electrons more readily (are better reducing agents).
Experimental displacement data can be used to deduce the relative order of reactivity.

Displacement of copper by magnesium

Explaining Reactivity (Extended)

Reactivity depends on the tendency of a metal atom to lose electrons and form positive ions.
Metals high in the series lose electrons easily and are strong reducing agents.
In displacement, the less reactive metal ion gains electrons (is reduced); the more reactive metal loses electrons (is oxidised).

Rusting of Iron

Rusting is the corrosion of iron requiring both oxygen and water.
Rust is hydrated iron(III) oxide, a reddish-brown compound.
Equation: iron + water + oxygen → hydrated iron(III) oxide.
Only iron or steel rusts; other metals corrode.
Investigating rusting: nail in air+water rusts; nail in boiled water with oil (no air) does not; nail with calcium chloride (no water) does not.

Requirements for rusting

Rust Prevention Methods

Barrier methods (grease, oil, paint, plastic) prevent contact with water and oxygen.
If the barrier is scratched, iron is exposed and rusting occurs.
Sacrificial protection uses a more reactive metal (e.g., zinc) attached to iron; the more reactive metal corrodes instead.
Zinc bars on steel ships: Zn → Zn²⁺ + 2e⁻; zinc oxidises, iron is protected.
Galvanising coats iron with zinc; acts as barrier and provides sacrificial protection if scratched.

Zinc bars on steel ship hulls

Choosing a Protective Metal (Extended)

A metal above iron in the reactivity series is suitable for sacrificial protection (e.g., zinc, magnesium).
A metal below iron (e.g., copper) is not suitable; iron would corrode instead.

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Übungsfragen

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1.Which of the following is the correct order of reactivity for the metals potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, zinc, iron, copper, silver, gold?
Easy
- APotassium > Sodium > Calcium > Magnesium > Aluminium > Zinc > Iron > Copper > Silver > Gold
- BGold > Silver > Copper > Iron > Zinc > Aluminium > Magnesium > Calcium > Sodium > Potassium
- CPotassium > Sodium > Magnesium > Calcium > Aluminium > Zinc > Iron > Copper > Silver > Gold
- DSodium > Potassium > Calcium > Magnesium > Aluminium > Zinc > Iron > Copper > Silver > Gold
2.State the two conditions necessary for rusting to occur.
Easy
3.Iron can rust in the presence of water alone, without oxygen.
Easy
True or false?
4.Complete the sentence: In the reactivity series, carbon is placed between aluminium and zinc because it is used to extract metals from their oxides.
Medium
In the reactivity series, carbon is placed between ____ and ____ because it is used to extract metals from their oxides.
5.Match each metal with its reaction with cold water.
Medium
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Reacts violently
- Reacts quickly
- Reacts less strongly
- Does not react with cold water
6.Write the word equation for the reaction of magnesium with steam.
Medium
7.In an experiment to determine the reactivity of a metal, a student measures the temperature change when the metal reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid. The temperature rises from 20.0°C to 35.0°C. What is the temperature change in °C?
Easy
- A15
- B17
- C14
- D16
8.Which of the following metals will displace copper from copper(II) sulfate solution?
Easy
- ASilver
- BGold
- CZinc
- DCopper

Mehr Fragen

9.Explain why zinc is used to galvanise iron, but copper is not suitable for sacrificial protection of iron.
Hard
10.Arrange the following metals in order of increasing reactivity (least reactive first).
Easy
- Copper
- Zinc
- Iron
- Magnesium
11.In the displacement reaction between magnesium and copper(II) sulfate solution, which statement is correct?
Medium
- AMagnesium is reduced and copper is oxidised.
- BMagnesium is oxidised and copper is reduced.
- CBoth magnesium and copper are oxidised.
- DBoth magnesium and copper are reduced.
12.Complete the sentence: In sacrificial protection, a more reactive metal such as zinc is attached to iron. The zinc corrodes instead of the iron because zinc is a better ___.
Medium
In sacrificial protection, a more reactive metal such as zinc is attached to iron. The zinc corrodes instead of the iron because zinc is a better ____.
13.Which of the following metals is the most reactive?
Easy
- AIron
- BZinc
- CCalcium
- DCopper
14.Rusting requires both oxygen and water.
Easy
True or false?
15.What is the chemical name for rust?
Easy
- AIron(II) oxide
- BIron(III) oxide
- CHydrated iron(III) oxide
- DIron hydroxide
16.In galvanising, if the zinc coating is scratched, the iron underneath will rust because the barrier is broken.
Medium
True or false?
17.Which of the following metals will not react with dilute hydrochloric acid?
Easy
- AMagnesium
- BZinc
- CCopper
- DIron
18.Select all the conditions that must be present for rusting to occur.
Medium
- AOxygen
- BCarbon dioxide
- CWater
- DNitrogen
- ESalt
19.Arrange the following metals in order of decreasing reactivity (most reactive first).
Easy
- Zinc
- Magnesium
- Copper
- Iron
20.Which of the following conditions must be present for rusting to occur? Select all that apply.
Medium
- AOxygen
- BWater
- CCarbon dioxide
- DSalt
21.Rust is hydrated iron(III) oxide.
Easy
True or false?
22.In the displacement reaction between zinc and copper(II) sulfate, which statement is correct?
Medium
- AZinc is reduced
- BCopper ions gain electrons
- CZinc ions gain electrons
- DCopper is oxidised
23.Galvanising involves coating iron with a layer of zinc.
Easy
True or false?
24.Which metal is commonly used for sacrificial protection of iron?
Easy
- ACopper
- BSilver
- CZinc
- DGold
25.In an experiment to investigate the reactivity of metals, 0.1 g samples of magnesium, zinc, iron, and copper are each added to 10 cm³ of 1 mol/dm³ hydrochloric acid at 20°C. The temperature change is measured. Which metal would cause the largest temperature increase?
Medium
- Amagnesium
- Bzinc
- Ciron
- Dcopper
26.Rust is hydrated iron(II) oxide.
Easy
True or false?
27.Arrange the following metals in order of decreasing reactivity (most reactive first): iron, zinc, magnesium, copper.
Easy
- magnesium
- zinc
- iron
- copper
28.A student adds a piece of zinc to a solution of copper(II) sulfate. Which observation would be made?
Medium
- AThe blue colour fades and a brown solid forms.
- BThe solution turns green and a grey solid forms.
- CNo change is observed.
- DA colourless gas is produced.
29.In an experiment, four nails are placed in different conditions. Nail A: in a test tube with air and water. Nail B: in a test tube with boiled water and an oil layer. Nail C: in a test tube with air and calcium chloride. Nail D: in a test tube with air only. After one week, which nail rusts most?
Medium
- ANail A
- BNail B
- CNail C
- DNail D
30.In an experiment to investigate the conditions required for rusting, three iron nails are placed in separate test tubes. Test tube 1: nail in air and water. Test tube 2: nail in boiled water covered with a layer of oil. Test tube 3: nail in air with calcium chloride. After a few days, which nail(s) show rust?
Medium
- AOnly the nail in test tube 1
- BOnly the nail in test tube 2
- COnly the nail in test tube 3
- DNails in test tubes 1 and 2
31.A student adds a piece of zinc to a solution of iron(II) sulfate. Which statement correctly describes what happens?
Medium
- AZinc displaces iron, forming zinc sulfate and iron.
- BIron displaces zinc, forming iron(II) sulfate and zinc.
- CNo reaction occurs because both metals are reactive.
- DZinc reacts with the sulfate to form zinc sulfide and oxygen.
32.Which of the following are methods of preventing rusting on an iron gate? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- APainting the gate
- BGalvanising with zinc
- CAttaching a copper strip to the gate
- DCoating with oil
- EAttaching a magnesium block to the gate
33.In the displacement reaction between magnesium and copper(II) sulfate, the blue colour of the solution fades as the reaction proceeds.
Easy
True or false?
34.In an experiment to determine the reactivity of metals, 0.1 g samples of magnesium, zinc, iron, and copper are each added to 10 cm³ of 1 mol/dm³ hydrochloric acid. Which metal produces the fastest initial rate of hydrogen gas production?
Medium
- AMagnesium
- BZinc
- CIron
- DCopper
35.Copper reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen gas.
Easy
True or false?
36.In the displacement reaction between magnesium and copper(II) sulfate solution, which observation is correct?
Medium
- AThe blue colour of the solution fades and a brown solid forms.
- BThe solution remains blue and no change occurs.
- CA green precipitate forms and the solution becomes colourless.
- DThe solution turns green and a gas is produced.
37.Arrange the following metals in order of increasing reactivity (least reactive first): iron, zinc, magnesium, copper.
Easy
- iron
- zinc
- magnesium
- copper
38.Arrange the following metals in order of increasing reactivity (least reactive first): silver, calcium, zinc, copper.
Medium
- silver
- calcium
- zinc
- copper
39.Select all the metals that will react with dilute hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen gas.
Medium
- AMagnesium
- BZinc
- CCopper
- DIron
- ESilver
40.Which of the following is the correct order of reactivity (most reactive first) for the metals potassium, magnesium, iron, and silver?
Medium
- APotassium > Magnesium > Iron > Silver
- BSilver > Iron > Magnesium > Potassium
- CPotassium > Iron > Magnesium > Silver
- DMagnesium > Potassium > Iron > Silver
41.In an experiment, a piece of zinc is added to a solution of iron(II) sulfate. Which statement describes what happens?
Medium
- AZinc displaces iron because zinc is more reactive than iron.
- BIron displaces zinc because iron is more reactive than zinc.
- CNo reaction occurs because both are metals.
- DZinc and iron form an alloy.
42.Complete the sentence about the reactivity series.
Easy
The non-metals ____ and ____ are included in the reactivity series because they are used to extract metals from their oxides.
43.State one method of barrier protection used to prevent rusting.
Easy
44.Complete the sentence about displacement reactions.
Easy
A metal will displace another metal from a solution of its salt if the displacing metal is ____ in the reactivity series.
45.In an experiment, 0.12 g of magnesium reacts with excess hydrochloric acid. Calculate the volume of hydrogen gas produced at room temperature and pressure (1 mole of gas occupies 24 dm³).
Hard
46.In a displacement reaction, 2.43 g of magnesium is added to excess copper(II) sulfate solution. Calculate the mass of copper produced. (Ar: Mg = 24.3, Cu = 63.5)
Medium
47.State the name of the product formed when iron reacts with oxygen and water.
Easy
48.Explain why zinc is used for sacrificial protection of iron but copper is not.
Medium
49.Explain why a steel ship can be protected from rusting by attaching zinc blocks to its hull. Include the reactivity series in your answer.
Hard
50.In an experiment, 0.12 g of magnesium reacts with excess hydrochloric acid. Calculate the volume of hydrogen gas produced at room temperature and pressure (1 mole of gas occupies 24 dm³).
Medium
- A1.12 dm³
- B0.12 dm³
- C-0.88 dm³
- D2.12 dm³
51.In a displacement reaction, 2.43 g of magnesium is added to excess copper(II) sulfate solution. Calculate the mass of copper produced. (Ar: Mg = 24.3, Cu = 63.5)
Medium
- A7.35 g
- B8.35 g
- C6.35 g
- D5.35 g

Karteikarten

What is the order of the reactivity series from most reactive to least reactive?

Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, Aluminium, Carbon, Zinc, Iron, Hydrogen, Copper, Silver, Gold.

What is the mnemonic to remember the reactivity series?

Please send cats, monkeys and cute zebras into hot countries signed Gordon.

Which metals react with cold water?

Potassium, sodium, and calcium react with cold water to form a metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

Write the balanced equation for the reaction of potassium with water.

2K (s) + 2H2O (l) → 2KOH (aq) + H2 (g)

How does magnesium react with steam?

Magnesium reacts with steam to form magnesium oxide and hydrogen gas: Mg (s) + H2O (g) → MgO (s) + H2 (g).

Which metals react with dilute hydrochloric acid?

Metals above hydrogen in the reactivity series, such as magnesium, zinc, and iron, react with dilute hydrochloric acid to produce a salt and hydrogen.

Write the equation for the reaction of zinc with dilute hydrochloric acid.

Zn (s) + 2HCl (aq) → ZnCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)

Why do copper, silver, and gold not react with dilute hydrochloric acid?

They are below hydrogen in the reactivity series, so they do not displace hydrogen from acids.

How can the order of reactivity be deduced experimentally?

By observing the vigour of reactions with water or dilute hydrochloric acid; the more vigorous the reaction, the more reactive the metal.

What happens when magnesium is added to copper(II) sulfate solution?

Magnesium displaces copper: Mg (s) + CuSO4 (aq) → MgSO4 (aq) + Cu (s). The blue colour fades and copper metal forms.

What is a displacement reaction between a metal and a salt solution?

A more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its salt solution.

What is rusting?

Rusting is the reaction of iron with water and oxygen to form hydrated iron(III) oxide, a reddish-brown compound.

What conditions are necessary for rusting to occur?

Both oxygen and water must be present for iron to rust.

How can you investigate the conditions required for rusting?

Use three test tubes: one with iron nail exposed to air and water, one with boiled water and oil to exclude air, and one with calcium chloride to absorb moisture. Only the nail in the first tube rusts.

What are barrier methods to prevent rust?

Coating iron with grease, oil, paint, or plastic to prevent contact with water and oxygen.

What is sacrificial protection?

Attaching a more reactive metal (e.g., zinc) to iron; the more reactive metal corrodes first, protecting the iron.

Explain why zinc is used for sacrificial protection of steel ships.

Zinc is more reactive than iron, so it loses electrons and oxidises preferentially, preventing the iron from rusting.

What is galvanising?

Coating iron with a layer of zinc, which provides both barrier protection and sacrificial protection if the coating is scratched.

Why is a metal below iron in the reactivity series not suitable for sacrificial protection?

It would not be oxidised instead of iron; iron would still rust because the less reactive metal cannot protect it.

What is the product of rusting?

Hydrated iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3·xH2O).

What is the difference between rusting and corrosion?

Rusting refers specifically to the corrosion of iron or steel; corrosion is the general term for the breakdown of any metal.

What is the word equation for rusting?

iron + water + oxygen → hydrated iron(III) oxide

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