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The order of reactivity of copper, magnesium and zinc can be determined by the displacement reactions between these metals and solutions of their salts - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry Combined Science - Question 5 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 5
The order of reactivity of copper, magnesium and zinc can be determined by the displacement reactions between these metals and solutions of their salts. You are pro... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The order of reactivity of copper, magnesium and zinc can be determined by the displacement reactions between these metals and solutions of their salts - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry Combined Science - Question 5 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe the experiments that can be done to determine the order of reactivity of these metals by displacement reactions.
Answer
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Preparation of Solutions: Prepare three separate test tubes, each containing a different metal sulfate solution: copper sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and zinc sulfate.
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Conduct Displacement Reactions: Take small pieces of copper, magnesium, and zinc metals. Insert each metal into the different solutions and observe the reactions that occur.
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Observation of Reaction: Note if any observable reaction occurs, such as color change or gas production.
- For example, if zinc is placed in copper sulfate, a displacement reaction occurs, indicated by the solution changing color as copper is displaced.
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Record the Results: Count the number of reactions for each metal. The metal that displaces the most metal ions from the sulfate solutions is the most reactive.
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Conclusion: Analyze the results to determine the order of reactivity; the greater number of reactions indicates a higher reactivity.
Step 2
Explain why aluminium cannot be extracted from its ore by heating with carbon but can be extracted by electrolysis.
Answer
Aluminium cannot be extracted from its ore (bauxite) by heating with carbon because aluminium is more reactive than carbon. This means that carbon cannot displace aluminium ions from its oxide. Instead, extraction is done through electrolysis, which is a process that allows for the breakdown of aluminium oxide into aluminium and oxygen by passing an electric current, making it a more powerful method for extracting aluminium.