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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 - Question 7 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 7
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 - Question 7 - 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
To determine the order of reactivity, you can conduct the following experiments:
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Prepare the Solutions: Start by preparing three test tubes containing solutions of copper sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and zinc sulfate.
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Add Metals: Take samples of copper, magnesium, and zinc. Individually, place each metal into each of the three solutions.
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Observe Reactions: Observe and record any noticeable changes, such as color changes or gas bubbles, which indicate a displacement reaction. The more reactive metal will displace the metal in the solution, leading to a greater number of observable reactions.
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Analyze Results: Compare the number of reactions. The metal that shows the greatest number of reactions is the most reactive.
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 by heating with carbon because:
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Reactivity: Aluminium is more reactive than carbon (so carbon cannot effectively reduce aluminium oxide).
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Electrolysis: Therefore, electrolysis is used to extract aluminium ions from their ore. Electrolysis is a more effective method, allowing for the reduction of aluminium ions to aluminium metal, overcoming the limitations of chemical reduction with carbon.