Metals above carbon in the reactivity series
1 mark · EasyState why copper, which is above carbon in the reactivity series, cannot be extracted from copper(II) oxide by heating with carbon.
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
Copper is more reactive than carbon, so carbon cannot remove the oxygen from copper(II) oxide.
Also accept: Copper is more reactive than carbon so it cannot be reduced by carbon.; Copper cannot be reduced by carbon because it is above carbon in the reactivity series.
Common mistakes: Copper can be extracted by carbon reduction.; Copper is less reactive than carbon.
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · Correct reason: copper is more reactive than carbon so cannot be reduced by carbon.
Worked solution
Copper cannot be extracted from copper(II) oxide by heating with carbon because copper is more reactive than carbon, so carbon cannot displace the oxygen from the oxide.