Reactions of metals with water
4 marks · NormalSome metals do not react with water or steam.
State whether aluminium reacts with steam and explain your answer with reference to its oxide layer.
Explain why copper does not react with cold water or steam.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
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(a) Aluminium has a very slow or almost no reaction with steam because it is coated with a strong, protective aluminium oxide layer that prevents contact with steam.
(b) Copper does not react with cold water or steam because it is below hydrogen in the reactivity series.
Also accept: Alternative phrases explaining slow or no reaction due to oxide layer
Common mistakes: Omitting reference to oxide layer for aluminium; Saying copper reacts with water
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
M1 (a) · 1 mark · States that aluminium does not react (or reacts very slowly) with steam.
M2 (a) · 1 mark · Explains slowness is due to a strong, protective oxide layer.
A1 (b) · 1 mark · States copper does not react with water or steam.
A2 (b) · 1 mark · Explains/copied: this is because copper is below hydrogen in the reactivity series.
Worked solution
a) Aluminium does not react or only reacts very slowly with steam (1) because it is protected by a strong oxide layer that prevents further reaction (1).
b) Copper does not react with cold water or steam (1) because it is below hydrogen in the reactivity series (1).