9.2 Reactivity Series & Corrosion of Metals
9.2 Reactivity Series & Corrosion of Metals
9.2 Reactivity Series & Corrosion of Metals
YOUR NOTES
IGCSE Chemistry CIE
CONTENTS
9.2.1 Reactivity Series
9.2.2 Explaining Reactivity
9.2.3 Rusting of Iron
9.2.4 Galvanising & Sacrificial Protection
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Observations from the table above allow the following reactivity series to be deduced YOUR NOTES
The order of this reactivity series can be memorised using the following mnemonic
“Please send cats, monkeys and cute zebras into hot countries signed Gordon"
You can learn the reactivity series with the help of a silly phrase
Reactions of Metals
Reaction with cold water
The more reactive metals will react with cold water to form a metal hydroxide and hydrogen
gas
Potassium, sodium and calcium all undergo reactions with cold water as they are the most
reactive metals:
metal + water → metal hydroxide + hydrogen
For example, calcium and potassium:
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The more vigorous the reaction of the metal, the higher up the reactivity series the metal is YOUR NOTES
A combination of reactions may be needed, for example, the order of reactivity of the more
reactive metals can be determined by their reactions with water
The less reactive metals react slowly or not at all with water, so the order of reactivity would
need to be determined by observing their reactions with dilute acid
Temperature change in a reaction can also be used to determine the order of reactivity
The greater the temperature change in a reaction involving a metal, the more reactive the
metal is
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YOUR NOTES
Diagram showing the colour change when magnesium displaces copper from copper
sulfate
By combining different metals and metal salts solutions it is possible to come up with a
relative reactivity order
Metal Solutions Displacement Table
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Aluminium is high in the reactivity series, but in reality, it does not react with water and the
reaction with dilute acids can be quite slow
This is because it reacts readily with oxygen, forming a protective layer of aluminium oxide
which is very thin
This layer prevents reaction with water and dilute acids, so aluminium can behave as if it is
unreactive
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Diagram showing the requirements of oxygen and water for rust to occur: only the nail on the
left rusts
Rust prevention methods
Barrier methods
Rust can be prevented by coating iron with barriers that prevent the iron from coming into
contact with water and oxygen
However, if the coatings are washed away or scratched, the iron is once again exposed to
water and oxygen and will rust
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YOUR NOTES
Exam Tip
Only iron or steel (an alloy made from iron) can rust. If any other metal oxidises in air
causing the metal to break down, you should say that the metal has corroded.
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Diagram to show the use of zinc bars on the sides of steel ships as a method of sacrificial
protection
Zinc is more reactive than iron therefore will lose its electrons more easily than iron and is
oxidised more easily:
Zn → Zn2+ + 2e-
The iron is less reactive therefore will not lose its electrons as easily so it is not oxidised; the
zinc is sacrificed to protect the steel
For continued protection, the zinc bars have to be replaced before they completely corrode
Galvanising
Galvanising is a process where the iron to be protected is coated with a layer of zinc
This can be done by electroplating or dipping it into molten zinc
ZnCO3 is formed when zinc reacts with oxygen and carbon dioxide in the air and protects
the iron by the barrier method
If the coating is damaged or scratched, the iron is still protected from rusting by sacrificial
protection
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