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Reactivity series

Reactivity series

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Question 6

Copper and iron are metals with many useful applications.

Both metals:

  • are malleable
  • are hard-wearing / have high strength
  • are good conductors of electricity
  • are good conductors of heat
  • have a high melting point
a.

Choose two properties from the list that make copper a suitable metal for the base of heavy-duty cooking pans.

[2]
b.

Choose two properties from the list that make iron a suitable metal for structural support pillars in buildings.

[2]
c.

Magnesium and steel (an iron alloy) are compared for specialized manufacturing tasks. Consider these three differences:

  • steel is much stronger than magnesium
  • steel has a higher density than magnesium
  • steel is more resistant to corrosion in damp environments than magnesium

Using this information: Suggest why steel is a better metal than magnesium for constructing load-bearing structural columns.

[1]
d.

Suggest why magnesium is a better metal than steel for manufacturing the lightweight body frames of handheld camera gimbals.

[1]
e.

The reaction between magnesium powder and iron(III) oxide is highly energetic and can be shown by the chemical equation:

3Mg+Fe2O3→3MgO+2Fe 3\text{Mg} + \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 \rightarrow 3\text{MgO} + 2\text{Fe} 3Mg+Fe2​O3​→3MgO+2Fe

State what is meant by the term exothermic.

[1]
f.

Use the reaction equation to compare the reactivity of magnesium and iron, explaining your reasoning.

[2]
g.

Identify which element is oxidised in this reaction and give a reason for your choice.

[2]
h.

During the reaction, pure iron is produced as a molten liquid. Explain why the iron is produced in a molten state.

[2]
Markscheme

Reactivity series Questions

  1. IGCSE
  2. /Chemistry
  3. /Reactivity series

34 exam-style questions on Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry Reactivity series. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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