An automated apparatus compares the reactions of lithium, calcium and magnesium with cold water at room temperature. Equal amounts of the metals with the same exposed surface area are used. The volume and temperature of the water are the same in each test.
| Metal | Initial rate of hydrogen production in cm³/s |
|---|---|
| Lithium | 1.40 |
| Calcium | 0.65 |
| Magnesium | 0.02 |
Explain which metal forms positive ions most readily.
Predict how potassium would react compared with lithium under the same conditions. Justify your answer.
86 exam-style questions on AQA GCSE Chemistry 4.1 Reactivity of metals, covering 4.1.1 Metal oxides, 4.1.2 The reactivity series, 4.1.3 Extraction of metals and reduction, and 4.1.4 Oxidation and reduction in terms of electrons. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.