II.

Reactivity of metals Page 1

Topic II. Reactivity of metals

Reference Integrated Chemistry Today, L.H.M Chung, Book 1 pg. 189– 211
Reading

Objectives 2.2
– describe and write word equations for the reactions of aluminium, calcium, copper, iron, lead, magnesium,
potassium, silver, sodium and zinc with
(a) oxygen (air)
(b) water
(c) dilute acids
– use the knowledge of symbols and chemical formulae for elements and compounds to
(a) transcribe word equations into chemical equations
(b) balance chemical equations by inspection
– recognise and use state symbols (s), (l), (g) and (aq) in equations
– compare the relative ease of extracting metals from ores
– construct a metal reactivity series based on experimental results
– explain the reactivity series in terms of the tendency of a metal to form its positive ion
– interpret the displacement reactions in terms of reactivity series
– predict possible reactions between An+(aq) and B(s) where A and B are metals

Notes II. Reactivity of metals

A. Reactivity of metals
II. Reactivity of metals Page 2

By comparing the reactivities of different metals with oxygen, water and dilute acid. The metal can be arranged
according to their reactivity. This arrangement is called the reactivity series of metal.

Most reactive
Potassium K
Group I metal
Sodium Na
Calcium Ca
Group II metal
Magnesium Mg
Aluminium Al Group III metal
reactivity Zinc Zn
decreases Iron Fe
Lead Pb Transition metal
Copper Cu
Mercury Hg
Silver Ag
Precious metal
Gold Au
Least reactive

Within a group, the one lower in the periodic table is found to be more reactive. e.g. potassium is more reactive
than sodium.

Indeed, reactivity of a metal depends on its ability to donate electron. Potassium is very reactive because it donates
electron more readily than other metals do.

Potassium atom (K) → Potassium ion (K+) + Electron (e-)

If the electron is donated to chlorine, potassium chloride (KCl(s)) will be formed.

2K + Cl2 → 2K+ + 2e- + Cl2 → 2K+ + 2Cl- → 2KCl

(2 potassium atoms (2 formula units of
and 1 chlorine molecule) potassium chloride)

If the electron is donated to water molecule, potassium hydroxide and hydrogen will be formed.

2K + 2H2O → 2K+ + 2e- + 2H2O → 2K+ + 2OH- + H2 → 2KOH + H2

(2 potassium atoms (2 formula units of
and 2 water molecules) potassium hydroxide and
1 molecule of hydrogen)

Because the reaction is caused by the donated electron and independent of the nature of the metal ions formed,
therefore all metals share a similar pattern of reactivity. e.g. almost all metals react with chlorine to form metal
chloride and reacts with water to form metal hydroxide and water.
II. Reactivity of metals Page 3

B. Use of equation

The major function of an equation is to represent a reaction.

The reactants are put on the left hand side of the arrow and the products are put on the right hand side of the
arrow.
Reactants → Products

There are several different types of equations. e.g. word equation, unbalanced equation, balanced equation, half -
ionic equation and ionic equation. They are used in different situation depending on the usage.

1. Word equation

All kinds of equations are used to describe a reaction. By studying a series of similar reactions, a generic word
equation can be generalized..
e.g. Experimental findings – Most metals react with oxygen to form metal oxides.
Generic word equation – Metal + Oxygen → Metal oxide

Generic word equation is the most important kind of equation because it is a summary of experimental
findings. It is the only kind of equation that cannot be derived from the others.

2. Transcription of word equation into chemical equation

From the generic word equation and the order of reactivities of metal, balanced chemical equation of different
reaction can be constructed.

Example 1 Reaction between magnesium and oxygen

Since magnesium is a metal, the following is the only generic word equation applicable :

metal + oxygen → metal oxide

Generic word equation metal + oxygen → metal oxide

Specific word equation magnesium + oxygen → magnesium oxide
Unbalanced equation Mg(s) + O2(g) → MgO(s) (Each species is represented by an appropriate formula)
Balanced equation 2Mg(s) + O2(g) → 2MgO(s) (The no. of atoms involved are balanced)

Example 2 Reaction between sodium and oxygen

Generic word equation metal + oxygen → metal oxide

Specific word equation sodium + oxygen → sodium oxide
Unbalanced equation Na(s) + O2(g) → Na2O(s)
Balanced equation 4Na(s) + O2(g) → 2Na2O(s)

Example 3 Reaction between sodium and water

Since sodium is a metal, the reaction will be :

metal + water → metal hydroxide + hydrogen

Generic word equation metal + water → metal hydroxide + hydrogen

Specific word equation sodium + water → sodium hydroxide + hydrogen
Unbalanced equation Na(s) + H2O(l) → NaOH(aq) + H2(g)
Balanced equation 2Na(s) + 2H2O(l) → 2NaOH(aq) + H2(g)

N.B. It is important to note that hydrogen gas and oxygen gas consist of H2(g) and O2(g) molecule but not free H
and O atoms.

In a balanced equation, the number of atoms on the right hand side must be the same as the number on the left
hand side.
II. Reactivity of metals Page 4

3. Steps of balancing an equation

Note : Balancing of an equation must start form a correctly stated unbalanced equation.

Step 1 Na(s) + H2O(l) → NaOH(aq) + H2(g) There is less no. of H atoms on the left hand side. Therefore,
no. of Na = 1 no. of Na = 1 more H atom has to be added to the left. Because H2O(l) is the
no. of H = 2 no. of H = 3 only reactant containing H, a molecule of H2O(l) is added.
no. of O = 1 no. of O = 1
A single H atom should not be added to the left. Although the
equation will become balanced immediately, it does not agree
with the word equation (experimental findings) from which
the equation is derived.

Na(s) + H2O(l) + H → NaOH(aq) + H2(g)

sodium + water → sodium hydroxide + hydrogen

N.B. The prime objective of an equation is to represent

a reaction, NOT to get a balanced no.

In order to keep the equation agree with the experimental

findings, only a species already present should be added,
i.e. H2O.

Step 2 Na(s) + 2 H2O(l) → NaOH(aq) + H2(g) There is more H and O atom on the left now. 1 more
no. of Na = 1 no. of Na = 1 NaOH(aq) may be added to increase the number of H and O on
no. of H = 4 no. of H = 3 the right. (You may try to added a molecule of H2(g) to see
no. of O = 2 no. of O = 1 what will happen.)

Step 3 Na(s) + 2 H2O(l) → 2 NaOH(aq) + H2(g) There is only 1 more Na atom on the right. 1 Na(s) is then
no. of Na = 1 no. of Na = 2 added to the left to balance the number.
no. of H = 4 no. of H = 4
no. of O = 2 no. of O = 2

Step 4 2Na(s) + 2 H2O(l) → 2 NaOH(aq) + H2(g) Now, the numbers of all kinds of atoms are balanced, but
no. of Na = 2 no. of Na = 2 more importantly, the balanced equation agree with the
no. of H = 4 no. of H = 4 experimental finding.
no. of O = 2 no. of O = 2 2Na(s) + 2 H2O(l) → 2 NaOH(aq) + H2(g)
sodium + water → sodium hydroxide + hydrogen

A reaction may be regarded as a kind of rearrangement of atoms to form new substances. No atoms are destroyed
or created during the reaction.

Na + O +
H H Na + OH-
+ H H
O + + OH-
Na + H H Na
II. Reactivity of metals Page 5

4. State symbol

State symbols (s), (l), (g) and (aq) are used to represents solid state, liquid state, gaseous state and aqueous state
respectively. Aqueous means water. Aqueous state means a solution of water.

Glucose is a non-electrolyte. Sodium chloride is an electrolyte.

In an aqueous solution of glucose, i.e. When it is dissolved in water, the cations
glucose(aq), the glucose molecules are evenly and the anions will separate and be evenly
distributed among the water molecules. distributed among the water molecules.

In order to describe the reaction fully, it is advisable to include the physical state of individual species in the
equation.

Glucose solution ≡ C6H12O6(aq)

Sodium chloride solution ≡ NaCl(aq) or Na+Cl-(aq)

For example, for the reaction,

Solid sodium metal reacts with liquid water to produce aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and hydrogen gas.

can be represented by the equation,

2Na(s) + 2H2O(l) → 2NaOH(aq) + H2(g)

or

2Na(s) + 2H2O(l) → 2Na+(aq) + 2OH-(aq) + H2(g)

II. Reactivity of metals Page 6

5. Writing of ionic equation

Example 1 Reaction between magnesium and nitric acid

Generic word equation metal + acid → salt + hydrogen

Specific word equation magnesium + nitric acid → magnesium nitrate + hydrogen
Unbalanced equation Mg(s) + HNO3(aq) → Mg(NO3)2(aq) + H2(g)
Balanced equation Mg(s) + 2HNO3(aq) → Mg(NO3)2(aq) + H2(g)

When HNO3(aq) is dissolved in water, it dissociates into H+(aq) and NO3-(aq) ions. Similarly, when Mg(NO3)2(aq) is
dissolved in water, it dissociates into Mg2+(aq) and two NO3-(aq) ions.

Therefore, the balanced equation may be rewritten as

Mg(s) + 2H+(aq) + 2NO3-(aq) → Mg2+(aq) + 2NO3-(aq) + H2(g)

It can be seen that the NO3-(aq) is chemically and physically unchanged in the reaction. Indeed, it does not
participate in the reaction and is known as a spectator ion. To narrow down the focus, spectator ions may be
omitted from the equation and the net equation obtained is called ionic equation. Similar to the balanced equation,
the no. of atoms must be balanced. Furthermore, the no. of charge has to be balanced too.

Ionic equation Mg(s) + 2H+(aq) → Mg2+(aq) + H2(g)

no. of Mg = 1 no. of Mg = 1
no. of H = 2 no. of H = 2
no. of charge = +2 no. of charge = +2

N.B. Actually, the solution itself does not possess any charge. The charge appears in the ionic equation
because the spectator ions are omitted in the representation.

Example 2 Reaction between magnesium and hydrochloric acid

Generic word equation metal + acid → salt + hydrogen

Specific word equation magnesium + hydrochloric acid → magnesium chloride + hydrogen
Unbalanced equation Mg(s) + HCl(aq) → MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)
Balanced equation Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl2(s) + H2(g)
Mg(s) + 2H+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq) → Mg2+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq) + H2(g)
where the 2Cl-(aq) are spectator ions

Ionic equation Mg(s) + 2H+(aq) → Mg2+(aq) + H2(g)

N.B. No matter in the Example 1 or Example 2, the ionic equations obtained are the same. This means that the
reaction between magnesium and dilute acid is independent of the nature of the acid.
II. Reactivity of metals Page 7

6. Examples of equations of reactions of metal

a). Reaction with oxygen

metal + oxygen → metal oxide

e.g. 4K(s) + O2(g) → 2K2O(s) (white powder)
2Cu(s) + O2(g) → 2CuO(s) (black powder)

b) Reaction with water

metal + water (liquid) → metal hydroxide + hydrogen

e.g. Ca(s) + 2H2O(l) → Ca(OH)2(s) + H2(g)
Mg(s) + 2H2O(l) → Mg(OH)2(s) + H2(g)

Ca(s) reacts with cold water but Mg(s) only reacts with hot water.

metal + water (steam) → metal oxide + hydrogen

e.g. Mg(s) + H2O(g) → MgO(s) + H2(g)
Fe(s) + H2O(g) → FeO(s) + H2(g)

Depending on the amount of water available, Mg(s) reacts with hot water to produce Mg(OH)2(s) but only MgO(s)
when reacts with steam. Steam has a much lower water content than liquid water. (1 cm3 of water will turn into
1
1000 cm3 of steam upon boiling which means concentration of steam is only of water.)
1000

c) Reaction with dilute acid

metal + dilute acid → salt + hydrogen

e.g. 2K(s) + 2HCl(aq) → 2KCl(aq) + H2(g)
(Reaction between potassium and acid is explosive and should never be tried.)

Fe(s) + 2HNO3(aq) → Fe(NO3)2(aq) + H2(g)

Reactive metal reacts with all kinds of dilute acid (e.g. hydrochloric acid HCl(aq), nitric acid HNO3(aq) and
sulphuric acid H2SO4(aq)) in a similar way. They give salt and hydrogen as the only products.

The behaviour of concentrated acid is rather different. e.g. Fe(s) has no reaction with conc. HNO3(aq) but gives
SO2(g) with conc. H2SO4(aq). This will be further explained in the section of acid and base.

N.B. Because potassium and sodium reacts with oxygen readily, they should be stored under oil.
II. Reactivity of metals Page 8

C. Extraction of metals from metal ores

Only very few metals exist in elemental form in nature e.g. Au and Hg.
Most metal are found in combined form where sulphide and oxide are two common form of metal ore.

Depending on the stability of the metal ore, different methods of extraction have to be used.

There are three common extraction methods

1. Heating alone
2. Reduction of oxide ore by heating with carbon
3. Electrolysis of molten ore

1. Heating alone

Only very few metal ores decompose upon heating.

e.g. 2Ag2O(s)  
→ 4Ag(s) + O2(g)
heat

2HgO(s)  
→ 2Hg(l) + O2(g)
heat

2. Reduction of oxide ore by carbon

When oxygen atom is combined with a substance, the process is called oxidation. When oxygen atom is removed
from a substance, the process is called reduction.
oxidation oxidation
Metal + oxygen Metal oxide Carbon + oxygen carbon dioxide
reduction reduction

oxidation
e.g. Sodium metal is oxidized to sodium oxide by oxygen. 4Na(s) + O2(g) 2Na2O(s)
reduction

oxidation
e.g. Carbon is oxidized to carbon dioxide by oxygen. C(s) + O2(g) CO2(g)
reduction

Carbon is capable to reduce metal oxide to metal. Carbon is known a reducing agent because it brings about
reduction.
metal oxide + carbon → metal + carbon dioxide

e.g. 2ZnO(s) + C(s) → 2Zn (s) + CO2(g)

2CuO(s) + C(s) → 2Cu(s) + CO2(g)

N.B. ZnO(s) and Fe2O3(s) can only be reduced by carbon at high temperature (~ 1500ºC)

Sulphide ore can be converted to oxide by heating in the air first. The oxide is then reduced by heating with
carbon

metal sulphide + oxygen → metal oxide + sulphur dioxide

e.g. 2 M2S(s) + 3O2(g) → 2 M2O(s) + 2SO2(g)
2 MS(s) + 3O2(g) → 2 MO(s) + 2SO2(g)
2 M2S3(s) + 9O2(g) → 2 M2O3(s) + 6SO2(g)
II. Reactivity of metals Page 9

3. Electrolysis of molten ore

The oxide of the metal more reactive than Zn cannot be reduced by heating with carbon. All the metal from
potassium to aluminium have to be extracted by electrolysis of their molten salt.

(Refer to the electrolysis of molten lead(II) bromide in Section 1.5 Part 1)

The metal ion in the molten salt (electrolyte) will be discharged at the cathode by gaining electrons.

Metal ion + electron → Metal

e.g. Na+(l) + e- → Na(l)
Mg2+(l) + 2e- → Mg(l)
Al3+(l) + 3e- → Al(l)

N.B. Metal can only be obtained from electrolysis of molten ore, electrolysis of the aqueous solution of the
metal ore may not give the desirable product.
II. Reactivity of metals Page 10

D. Displacement reaction

Theoretically, all reactions are reversible. Under the right condition, the product can be changed back to the
reactant. For example, when hydrogen is burnt in oxygen, water is formed but if water is electrolyzed, it will
change back to hydrogen and oxygen gas.

burning
hydrogen + oxygen water
electrolysis

2H2(g) + O2(g) d 2H2O(l)

Similarly, when a metal atom loses electrons, it becomes a metal ion. If a metal ion gain electrons again, it will
change back to a metal atom.
losing electron
Metal atom Metal ion + electron
gaining electron
e.g.
losing electron
K K+ + e-
gaining electron

However, potassium atom donates electron readily, K+ ion has very low tendency in gaining the electron again.
This accounts for the high stability of potassium compound. i.e. K2O(s) cannot be reduced by heating with C(s).

When a reactive metal is put into a solution containing ions of a less reactive metal, the reactive metal will lose its
electron to the ions of the less reactive metal. And the less reactive metal will be precipitated from the solution.

Reactive Ions of less Ions of Less reactive

+ +
Metal reactive metal reactive metal metal

e.g. Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) → Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s)

Fe(s) + 2Ag+(aq) → Fe2+(aq) + 2Ag(s)

This reaction is known as displacement reaction.

'Displace' means 'take the place of'. In this reaction, the more reactive metal is consumed and another metal is
produced which takes the place of the original one.
II. Reactivity of metals Page 11

There is no reaction between the Cu(s) and Zn 2+(aq) because Zn (s) loses electrons more readily than Cu(s).
Zn2+(aq) ion will not pick up the electrons from Cu(s) atoms and change back to Zn (s).

more favourable
Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s)
less favourable

Thermite reaction

Thermite reaction is a special displacement reaction between aluminium and iron(III) oxide.

2Al(s) + Fe2O3(s) → 2Fe(s) + Al2O3(s)

This reaction gives out a lot of heat (i.e. highly exothermic). The temperature is high enough to melt the iron
formed. This reaction is used to join 2 segments of rails on the site when the railway is constructed.

Glossary reactivity series dilute concentrated transcription word equation chemical equation
generic word equation balanced equation formula state symbol aqueous state
ionic equation spectator ion extraction decompose oxidation reduction
reducing agent ore electrolysis displacement reaction reversible precipitate
thermite reaction exothermic
II. Reactivity of metals Page 12

Past Paper 90 I 3 a iv
Questions 93 I 1 a i 93 I 4 a ii
94 I 1 d 94 I 6 a iii iv
95 I 1 a b c d
98 I 1 c i ii
99 I 2 b c

90 I 3 a iv
3a Hong Kong imports naphtha (mainly C5H12), from which town gas is produced.
iv What is observed when town gas is passed over heated copper(II) oxide in a combustion tube? Explain your 4
answer and write appropriate equations
black copper(II) oxide turned to red / brown copper 1 mark
copper(II) oxide is reduced by hydrogen and carbon monoxide / town gas 1 mark
CuO + H2 → Cu + H2O
CuO + CO → Cu + CO2
4CuO + CH4 → 4Cu + CO2 + 2H2O Any TWO 1 + 1
marks
(Do not accept: 2CuO + H2 + CO → 2Cu + H2O + CO2)
C Many candidates did not know that carbon monoxide and hydrogen in town gas are both reducing agents. Hence
they wrote only one equation instead of two.

93 I 1 a i
1a Aluminium and iron can be used in making window frames.
i Describe an experiment to show that aluminium is more reactive than iron. 2
Add Al metal to Fe(II) / Fe(III) solution, 1 mark
metal deposit / iron is displaced / green Fe(II) fades / yellow Fe(II) decolourizes. 1 mark

or Set up an electrochemical cell using Al and Fe as electrodes with an electrolyte , e.g. NaCl(aq) (1 mark)
electron flows from Al to Fe / current flows from Fe to Al in the external circuit. (1
mark)

or Set up 2 electrochemical cells, one with Al and (Cu) as electrodes , the other with Fe and (Cu) as electrodes
and with a suitable electrolyte (1 mark)
the first mentioned electrochemical cell has a higher voltage (1 mark)

or Add the metals into dil. acid, (do not accept HNO3 and c. H2SO4) (1 mark)
Al will give gas bubbles (hydrogen) at a faster rate (1 mark)
[ method – 1 mark , observation – 1 mark , diagram only – 0 mark ]
C Some candidates just mentioned 'Iron solution' without giving the proper oxidation state.
A common error here was the idea of setting up an electrolytic cell. With an external electric current applied, the
relative reactivity of the two metals could not be compared.

93 I 4 a ii
4a The following table gives some information about W, X, Y and Z which represent particles of some elements.
These particles are either atoms or ions.
Mass number Atomic number No. of proton No. of electron No. of neutron
W 12 12 12
X 12 10 12
Y 35 17 17
Z 17 17 20
ii (1) What is the relationship between W and X ? 2
(2) Suggest a chemical reaction which can change W into X.
(1) X is the cation / an ion of W / W and X are atom and ion of the same element 1 mark
(2) Reacting W with dil. acid / reacting W with steam / burning of W in air / reacting W with chlorine.
1 mark

94 I 1 d
1 The table below lists some information about three metals X, Y and Z .
Metal X Y Z
Atomic number 12 20 —
II. Reactivity of metals Page 13
Action of cold water No apparent change A colourless gas slowly No apparent change
evolves
Action of 0.1 M A colourless gas evolves. — No apparent change
hydrochloric acid
1d Based on the results of the reactions given in the above table, arrange the three metals in descending order of 3
reactivity. Explain your answer.
Y > X > Z / Y, X, Z / Z < X< Y 1 mark
Z is the least reactive because it does not react with water or hydrochloric acid / Z is less reactive than X because
Z does not react with dilute HCl while X does. 1 mark
Y is more reactive than X because it reacts with (cold) water but X does not / Y is the most reactive because it
reacts with (cold) water but X and Z do not. 1 mark

94 I 6 a iii iv
6a The following experimental set-up was used to determine the empirical formula of an oxide of copper.

In the experiment, 8.58 g of an oxide of copper, after complete reaction, produced 7.62 g of copper.
(Relative atomic masses: Cu = 63.5, O = 16.0)
iii State TWO potential hazards associated with this experiment, and suggest a safety precaution for each hazard. 4
Town gas is toxic / poisonous 1 mark
The experiment should be carried out in a fume cupboard / well-ventilated room. (or, the excess town gas should
be burnt). 1 mark

Burning of a mixture of town gas and air may cause an explosion, 1 mark
the student should ensure that air in the combustion tube has been removed / the tube is flushed with town gas /
no air remained in the combustion tube before burning the town gas (or, a safety screen should be used). 1 mark
C Some candidates could not give the correct precaution corresponding to the hazard they suggested. For example,
some of them wrote that the experiment should be performed inside a fume cupboard because town gas is
explosive.
iv At the end of the reaction, heating was stopped. However, it was necessary to continue passing the town gas 1
through the combustion tube until the tube had cooled down. Explain why.
The hot metal / copper may be oxidized by oxygen / air (or, react with oxygen in air) at high temperature and
which may cause error in weighing of the metal. 1 mark
C An unexpectedly large number of candidates did not know why town gas had to be passed through the
combustion tube until the tube cooled down. This might indicate that the candidates lacked practical experience
in this aspect.

95 I 1 a b c d
1 Rubidium (Rb) and potassium belong to the same group in the Periodic Table. The relative atomic mass of
rubidium is larger than that of potassium.
1a Explain whether rubidium is more reactive than potassium. 1
Rb is more reactive than K because Rb can give away / donate / release its outermost electron more easily /
readily. 1 mark
or, Rb can form ion more easily / readily. (not cation / positive ion)
or, The strength of metallic bond between Rb atoms is weaker than that between K atoms / Rb can atomize more
readily than K.
(DO NOT accept Rb has one more electron shell than K / Rb atom is larger than K atom / Rb is below K in the
Periodic Table.)
C Most candidates did not explain the reactivity of rubidium in terms of its readiness to lose its outermost electron.
1b Write a chemical equation for the reaction between rubidium and water. (State symbols should be given.) 2
2Rb(s) + 2H2O(l) → 2RbOH(aq) + H2(g) 1 + 1 marks
or, 2Rb(s) + 2H2O(l) → 2Rb+(aq) + 2OH-(aq) + H2(g)
(Formulae of reactants and products must be correct;
II. Reactivity of metals Page 14
award 1 mark for a balanced equation and 1 mark for correct state symbols.)
C Most candidates thought that Rb reacts with water to give Rb2O. Many candidates wrote the incorrect symbol for
rubidium despite the fact that the correct symbol was given in the question. They should read the question more
carefully.
1c Suggest how rubidium can be stored safely in the laboratory. 1
Store under oil / paraffin oil / kerosene 1 mark
1d Suggest ONE safety precaution for handling rubidium in the laboratory. 1
Wear gloves / do not touch directly / use a pair of forceps / wear safety spectacles (goggles) / use a safety screen /
cut into small pieces. 1 mark
(Mark the first answer only, do not accept fume cupboard.)
C Many candidates wrongly spelled the names of the apparatus used e.g. forceps, clips, etc.

98 I 1 c i ii
1c A piece of freshly cut lithium metal is placed in air.
i What would be observed on the surface of the metal after some time ? Write the relevant chemical equation. 2
ii Draw the electronic diagram of the product in (i), showing electrons in the outermost shells only. 1

99 I 2 b c
2 For each of the following experiments, state ONE observable change and write a chemical equation for the
reaction involved.
2b A small piece of calcium is placed in a Bunsen flame.
2c A mixture of copper(II) oxide and carbon powder is heated in a test tube. (6 marks)

90 45
B 45 Magnesium chloride solution gives a white precipitate with Magnesium is higher than lead in the metal activity series.
lead (II) nitrate solution.

91 8
A 8 X, Y and Z are metals. Y can displace X from a solution of
the nitrate of X. Oxides of X and Y can be reduced by
hydrogen but not the oxide of Z. Which of the following
arrangements represents the correct descending order of
reactivity of the metals ?
A. Z > Y > X
B. X > Y > Z
C. Z > X > Y
D. X > Z > Y

92 31
C 31

In the above experiment, a gas is evolved and burns at the

jet. Metal X is probably
A. zinc.
B. aluminium.
C. magnesium.
D. copper.
II. Reactivity of metals Page 15
92 34
B 34 Which of the following metals can be obtained by reducing
their oxides with carbon ?
(1) iron
(2) calcium
(3) lead
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

95 5
D 5 Which of the following methods can be used to extract lead
from lead(II) oxide ?
A. heating lead(II) oxide in the absence of air
B. heating lead(II) oxide in the presence of air
C. heating lead(II) oxide with copper at high temperature
D. heating lead(II) oxide with carbon at high temperature

95 18
B 18 Metal X reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to liberate
hydrogen, but metal Y and metal Z have no reaction with
the dilute acid. The oxide of metal Y decomposes on
heating but the oxide of metal Z does not. Which of the
following arrangements represents the order of increasing
reactivity of the three metals ?
A. X < Y < Z
B. Y < Z < X
C. X < Z < Y
D. Z < Y < X

95 27
C 27 A certain amount of silver oxide is heated in a test tube.
Which of the following graphs represents the correct plot of
the mass of the contents of the test tube against time ?

A.

B.
II. Reactivity of metals Page 16

C.

D.

95 30
B 30 Refer to the following chemical equation :
Fe2O3(s) + 3CO(g) → 2Fe(s) + 3CO2(g)
Which of the following statements is/are correct ?
(1) Carbon monoxide is an oxidizing agent.
(2) The oxidation number of carbon changes from +2 to
+4.
(3) The oxidation number of iron changes from +2 to 0.
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

96 35
C 35 In which of the following processes will lead be produced ?
(1) the electrolysis of molten lead(II) bromide
(2) heating lead(II) oxide strongly
(3) adding magnesium to lead(II) nitrate solution
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

97 32
D 32 Which of the following metal oxides can be reduced to the
metal when heated with carbon ?
(1) aluminium oxide
(2) lead(II) oxide
(3) iron(III) oxide
A. ( l ) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

98 11
D 11 Consider the following experiment.
II. Reactivity of metals Page 17

During the experiment, a gas is liberated. The gas can burn

at the end of the delivery tube. X is probably
A. copper
B. lead
C. silver
D. zinc.

98 19
C 19 In each of the four solutions shown below, a strip of zinc is
added.

Which of the following combinations is correct ?

Tube Observation
A. I no change
B. II brown coating on zinc
C. III no change
D. IV grey coating on zinc

99 18
C 18 Which of the following processes would NOT produce
hydrogen gas ?
A. adding calcium to water
B. adding magnesium to dilute hydrochloric acid
C. adding copper to dilute nitric acid
D. passing steam over red hot iron

99 31
A 31 Which of the following metal oxides CANNOT be reduced
by heating with carbon ?
(1) magnesium oxide
(2) lead(II) oxide
(3) iron(III) oxide
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only