Reactivity Series of Metals and Chemical Changesis a comprehensive... Show more
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Zainab
02/09/2025
Chemistry
GCSE Chemistry Chemical Changes Active Recall
829
•
2 Sept 2025
•
Fun with the Reactivity Series of Metals & Cool Acid-Base Reactions!
Zainab
@zainab_02839
Reactions with Acids
This section delves into acid-base reaction examples in everyday life and introduces important concepts like oxidation and reduction in terms of electron transfer.
Highlight: OILRIG - Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain (of electrons)
The document outlines predictable reactions involving acids:
- Acid + Alkali → salt + water
- Acid + base → salt + water
- Acid + metal → salt + hydrogen
- Acid + metal carbonate → salt + carbon dioxide + water
- Acid + metal oxide → salt + water
The pH scale is explained, detailing the range for acidic, neutral, and alkaline solutions. The use of universal indicators is discussed.
Definition: An acid is a substance that forms aqueous solutions with a pH less than 7 and produces hydrogen ions in water.
Definition: A base is a substance with a pH greater than 7, while an alkali is a soluble base that forms hydroxide ions in water.
Strong and Weak Acids
This section explores the differences between strong and weak acids, providing examples and explaining their behavior in aqueous solutions.
The process of titration is described in detail, outlining the steps involved in neutralizing an alkali with an acid.
Definition: A strong acid is an acid that ionizes fully in aqueous solutions. Examples include hydrochloric, nitric, and sulfuric acids.
Definition: A weak acid is an acid that partially ionizes in aqueous solutions. Examples include ethanoic, citric, and carbonic acids.
The concepts of concentrated and dilute solutions are defined, and their relationship to pH is explained.
Highlight: As the pH decreases by one unit, the concentration of H+ ions increases tenfold.
Electrolysis
This final section covers the process of electrolysis, explaining key terms and concepts related to this electrochemical technique.
Vocabulary: Electrodes are solid conductors made of metal, while an electrolyte is a liquid or solution containing an ionic compound that can conduct electricity.
The document explains why ionic compounds can conduct electricity in aqueous solutions or molten states, and describes the functions of anodes and cathodes.
Highlight: The anode is the positive electrode that attracts negative ions, while the cathode is the negative electrode that attracts positive ions.
The reasons for using electrolysis in metal extraction are discussed, along with its drawbacks such as high energy consumption.
Example: Metals more reactive than carbon cannot be extracted using carbon reduction and require electrolysis.
The document concludes by explaining the products formed during electrolysis based on the reactivity of the metal and the type of negative ion present.
Highlight: If the metal is higher than hydrogen in the reactivity series, hydrogen is produced. If it's lower, the metal itself is produced.
Electrolysis Principles
The final page covers electrolysis principles and industrial applications.
Definition: Electrolysis is the process of using electricity to break down ionic compounds.
Highlight: Metals more reactive than carbon require electrolysis for extraction.
Example: During electrolysis, if the metal is higher than hydrogen in the reactivity series, hydrogen is produced; if lower, the metal is produced.
Reactivity of Metals
This section explores the reactivity series of metals explained for GCSE and Class 10 students. It covers key concepts such as oxidation, reduction, and displacement reactions.
The general equation for a metal's reaction with oxygen is presented as: metal + oxygen → metal oxide
Definition: Oxidation is when oxygen is added to an element or compound, while reduction is when oxygen is removed.
The reactivity series of metals is outlined, ranging from potassium (most reactive) to gold (least reactive):
Highlight: Potassium, Sodium, Lithium, Calcium, Magnesium, Aluminium, Carbon, Zinc, Iron, Hydrogen, Copper, Silver, Gold
The document explains displacement reactions and details the reactions of various metals with water and dilute acids.
Example: Potassium, sodium, and lithium react violently with water, while copper and silver have no reaction.
The relationship between a metal's reactivity and its tendency to form positive ions is discussed, introducing the concept of native metals.
Vocabulary: A native metal is a metal found in its pure form in nature.
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4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Fun with the Reactivity Series of Metals & Cool Acid-Base Reactions!
Zainab
@zainab_02839
Reactivity Series of Metals and Chemical Changes is a comprehensive guide exploring metal reactions, acid-base interactions, and electrolysis processes. The content covers essential chemistry concepts from basic metal reactivity to complex electrochemical processes.
Key points:
- Detailed exploration of the reactivity... Show more
Reactions with Acids
This section delves into acid-base reaction examples in everyday life and introduces important concepts like oxidation and reduction in terms of electron transfer.
Highlight: OILRIG - Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain (of electrons)
The document outlines predictable reactions involving acids:
- Acid + Alkali → salt + water
- Acid + base → salt + water
- Acid + metal → salt + hydrogen
- Acid + metal carbonate → salt + carbon dioxide + water
- Acid + metal oxide → salt + water
The pH scale is explained, detailing the range for acidic, neutral, and alkaline solutions. The use of universal indicators is discussed.
Definition: An acid is a substance that forms aqueous solutions with a pH less than 7 and produces hydrogen ions in water.
Definition: A base is a substance with a pH greater than 7, while an alkali is a soluble base that forms hydroxide ions in water.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Strong and Weak Acids
This section explores the differences between strong and weak acids, providing examples and explaining their behavior in aqueous solutions.
The process of titration is described in detail, outlining the steps involved in neutralizing an alkali with an acid.
Definition: A strong acid is an acid that ionizes fully in aqueous solutions. Examples include hydrochloric, nitric, and sulfuric acids.
Definition: A weak acid is an acid that partially ionizes in aqueous solutions. Examples include ethanoic, citric, and carbonic acids.
The concepts of concentrated and dilute solutions are defined, and their relationship to pH is explained.
Highlight: As the pH decreases by one unit, the concentration of H+ ions increases tenfold.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Electrolysis
This final section covers the process of electrolysis, explaining key terms and concepts related to this electrochemical technique.
Vocabulary: Electrodes are solid conductors made of metal, while an electrolyte is a liquid or solution containing an ionic compound that can conduct electricity.
The document explains why ionic compounds can conduct electricity in aqueous solutions or molten states, and describes the functions of anodes and cathodes.
Highlight: The anode is the positive electrode that attracts negative ions, while the cathode is the negative electrode that attracts positive ions.
The reasons for using electrolysis in metal extraction are discussed, along with its drawbacks such as high energy consumption.
Example: Metals more reactive than carbon cannot be extracted using carbon reduction and require electrolysis.
The document concludes by explaining the products formed during electrolysis based on the reactivity of the metal and the type of negative ion present.
Highlight: If the metal is higher than hydrogen in the reactivity series, hydrogen is produced. If it's lower, the metal itself is produced.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Electrolysis Principles
The final page covers electrolysis principles and industrial applications.
Definition: Electrolysis is the process of using electricity to break down ionic compounds.
Highlight: Metals more reactive than carbon require electrolysis for extraction.
Example: During electrolysis, if the metal is higher than hydrogen in the reactivity series, hydrogen is produced; if lower, the metal is produced.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Reactivity of Metals
This section explores the reactivity series of metals explained for GCSE and Class 10 students. It covers key concepts such as oxidation, reduction, and displacement reactions.
The general equation for a metal's reaction with oxygen is presented as: metal + oxygen → metal oxide
Definition: Oxidation is when oxygen is added to an element or compound, while reduction is when oxygen is removed.
The reactivity series of metals is outlined, ranging from potassium (most reactive) to gold (least reactive):
Highlight: Potassium, Sodium, Lithium, Calcium, Magnesium, Aluminium, Carbon, Zinc, Iron, Hydrogen, Copper, Silver, Gold
The document explains displacement reactions and details the reactions of various metals with water and dilute acids.
Example: Potassium, sodium, and lithium react violently with water, while copper and silver have no reaction.
The relationship between a metal's reactivity and its tendency to form positive ions is discussed, introducing the concept of native metals.
Vocabulary: A native metal is a metal found in its pure form in nature.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user