The
reactivity series shows the order of
reactivity for metals. It provides a helpful and important
summary of all the reactions of metals.
3.
Reactions of metals
with oxygen (air)
4.
Reactions of metals with
water and steam
Only the very reactive metals react with
cold water. The fairly reactive metals do not
react with cold water, but do react with steam.
The oxides of very reactive metals react
with more water to form hydroxides.
5.
Reactions of metals with
dilute acids Metals above copper react with dilute
acids producing a salt and hydrogen.
6.
Displacement reactions A more reactive metal (higher in the
reactivity series) will displace a less reactive metal from
its compounds.
7.
Oxidation and reduction
(Redox)
Oxidation is the gain of oxygen.
Reduction is the loss of oxygen.
Reduction and oxidation always occur together and these
reactions are often called redox
reactions.
Redox in terms of electrons
8.
Exothermic and endothermic
reactions
Exothermic reactions give out heat.
Endothermic reactions take in heat.
9.
Rusting
Rusting involves the reaction of iron
(steel) with oxygen and water to form hydrated iron(III)
oxide which is rust.
Rusting can be prevented by oiling (greasing),
painting, galvanising (coating with zinc), plating (e.g.
with chromium), alloying and sacrificial protection.
