Reactions of metals with water

2 marks · Easy

Copper is used for water pipes, even for hot water. Using the reactivity series, explain why copper does not react with either cold water or steam.

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Also accept: Copper is below hydrogen; does not react.

Common mistakes: Saying copper is unreactive but not using reactivity series.

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Marking points

B1 · 1 mark · States copper is below hydrogen in the reactivity series.

B2 · 1 mark · Explains that metals below hydrogen do not react with water or steam.

Worked solution

Copper is below hydrogen in the reactivity series. This means it cannot displace hydrogen from water or steam, so it does not react.