Reactions of Metals

Reactions of metals with acids and oxygen

Reactions of Metals

Metals react differently with acids and oxygen. Metal + acid produces a salt + hydrogen gas. Metal + oxygen forms metal oxides. The reactivity series ranks metals from most to least reactive.

Example

Metal Reactions

Magnesium + HCl -> magnesium chloride + hydrogen (vigorous). Zinc + HCl -> zinc chloride + hydrogen (moderate). Copper + HCl -> no reaction (copper is low in reactivity). Iron + oxygen + water -> rust (slow corrosion).

Note

Key Point

Rusting costs South Africa billions annually. Prevention methods include painting, galvanising (coating with zinc), and using stainless steel.

Key Vocabulary

Reactivity seriesA list of metals arranged from most reactive to least reactive

CorrosionThe gradual destruction of metal by chemical reactions with the environment

Metal oxideA compound formed when a metal reacts with oxygen

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Reactivity series

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