Making predictions using the reactivity series
5 marks · HardA new metal, X, is known to react slowly with dilute sulfuric acid at room temperature, but shows no reaction with cold water. X is placed between magnesium and iron in the reactivity series.
Predict whether metal X will react with steam. Explain your answer.
X is added to a solution of copper(II) sulfate. Predict what will happen. Write a chemical equation for any reaction.
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) X will react with steam to form a metal oxide and hydrogen, because it is above hydrogen and below magnesium.
(b) X will displace copper from copper(II) sulfate to form X sulfate and copper; equation: X(s) + CuSO4(aq) -> XSO4(aq) + Cu(s) · must show Correct identification of displacement, Correct word or symbol equation
Common mistakes: Suggesting X will not react with steam when it is above hydrogen
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
M1 (a) · 1 mark · States or predicts that X will react with steam.
A1 (a) · 1 mark · Explains X reacts because it is above hydrogen but below magnesium, or that it reacts with steam but not cold water.
M2 (b) · 1 mark · Recognises that X will displace copper from copper(II) sulfate.
A2 (b) · 1 mark · States product as X sulfate (or correct name/formula) and copper.
A3 (b) · 1 mark · Writes a correct balanced chemical equation for the reaction.
Worked solution
a. Since X is above hydrogen but below magnesium, it does not react with cold water but will react with steam to form a metal oxide and hydrogen.
b. X will displace copper from copper(II) sulfate because it is more reactive than copper. The products are X sulfate and copper.