BMAT Chemistry- Metals Review Questions and Answers

Reactivity series of metals an order of reactivity, giving the most reactive metal first, based on results from a range of experiments involving metals reacting with oxygen, water, dilute hydrochloric acid and metal salt solutions Extraction of metals Most reactive metals are extracted from their ores by electrolysis of a molten compound. Iron ore blast furnace Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2 - Carbon is higher in the reactivity series than iron and is therefore able to remove the oxygen from iron(III) oxide to form iron metal Aluminium electrolysis 2Al2O3 → 4Al + 3O2 - extracted from aluminium ore (bauxite) by electrolysis - cathode (negative electrode), the aluminium ions each gain three electrons in a reduction reaction: Al3+ + 3e− → Al Displacement reactions more reactive metal is added to a dissolved compound of a less reactive metal - aqueous eg: Mg(s) + cuso4(aq) → Cu(s) + mgso4(aq) - solid eg: Al(s) + Fe2O3(s) → Fe(s) + Al2O3(s) Use of aluminium - kitchen foil/utensils - aeroplane parts Use of iron - steel in cutting tools/car bodies Use of copper - electrical wiring - water pipes - heating systems Use of silver - medicine - silver nanoparticles - jewellery Use of gold - electronic circuits Use of titanium - aircraft, spacecraft and missiles