Metals above carbon in the reactivity series
2 marks · EasyManganese (a metal) can be extracted from its oxide, MnO2, by heating with aluminium powder. Explain why manganese can be extracted this way, and what this shows about its position in the reactivity series.
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
Aluminium is more reactive than manganese, so it can remove oxygen from manganese oxide. This shows manganese is below aluminium in the reactivity series.
Also accept: Because aluminium is more reactive than manganese, aluminium can displace manganese from its oxide.; It shows manganese is less reactive than aluminium because a more reactive metal (aluminium) is needed to extract it.
Common mistakes: It can be extracted because aluminium is strong (does not address reactivity).; Because aluminium is used in electrolysis (wrong process).
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · States that aluminium is more reactive than manganese (so aluminium can remove the oxygen from manganese oxide).
B1 · 1 mark · States that manganese is below aluminium in the reactivity series (or equivalent).
Worked solution
Aluminium is more reactive than manganese, so it can remove the oxygen from manganese oxide by reduction.
This means manganese is below aluminium in the reactivity series.