Metals above carbon in the reactivity series

2 marks · Normal

State why metals above carbon in the reactivity series cannot be extracted from their oxides by reduction with carbon.

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Also accept: These metals are more reactive than carbon so carbon cannot remove (or displace) the oxygen from their oxides.; Because the metals are more reactive than carbon, carbon cannot reduce them.

Common mistakes: Saying only 'it doesn’t react' without explanation

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Marking points

B1 · 1 mark · States metals above carbon are more reactive than carbon.

B2 · 1 mark · States that carbon cannot reduce (cannot remove oxygen from) their oxides.

Worked solution

Metals above carbon in the reactivity series are more reactive than carbon. This means carbon cannot remove the oxygen from their oxides by reduction.