Reactivity Series
5 marks · EasyThe reactivity series below shows the order of metals from most to least reactive. Potassium, Sodium, Lithium, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, Copper.
Arrange the following three metals in order of reactivity, from most reactive to least reactive: magnesium, copper, iron.
Iron(III) oxide reacts with aluminium powder when heated.
Write a word equation for this reaction.
Explain which substance is oxidised and which substance is reduced in this reaction, in terms of oxygen transfer.
In the reaction above, which metal is displaced from its oxide?
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) magnesium, iron, copper
(b) aluminium + iron(III) oxide -> aluminium oxide + iron
(c) Aluminium is oxidised because it gains oxygen to form aluminium oxide; iron(III) oxide is reduced because it loses oxygen to form iron.
(d) iron
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Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · Correct order: magnesium, iron, copper.
B2 (b) · 1 mark · Word equation correctly written, both reactants and both products in correct sequence.
M1 (c) · 1 mark · Identifies which substance is oxidised and which is reduced.
A1 (c) · 1 mark · Gives correct explanation for each, referring to oxygen gain/loss.
B3 (d) · 1 mark · States iron is the metal displaced from its oxide.
Worked solution
(a) Order from most to least reactive: magnesium, iron, copper.
(b) Word equation: aluminium + iron(III) oxide → aluminium oxide + iron
(c) Aluminium is oxidised because it gains oxygen to become aluminium oxide. Iron(III) oxide is reduced because it loses oxygen to become iron.
(d) The metal displaced from its oxide is iron.