Metals below carbon in the reactivity series
2 marks · EasyExplain, using the reactivity series, why copper can be extracted from copper(II) oxide by heating with carbon but magnesium cannot.
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.
Show answer
Must show: Copper is below carbon: can be reduced, Magnesium is above carbon: cannot be reduced by carbon
Also accept: Copper is less reactive than carbon so can be reduced by it. Magnesium is more reactive than carbon so it cannot.
Common mistakes: Saying carbon is more reactive than all metals
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · States copper is below carbon in the reactivity series, so carbon can reduce copper(II) oxide.
B1 · 1 mark · States magnesium is above carbon in the reactivity series, so carbon cannot reduce magnesium oxide.
Worked solution
Copper is below carbon in the reactivity series, so carbon can reduce copper(II) oxide to copper. Magnesium is above carbon, so carbon cannot reduce magnesium oxide.