9.2

Reactivity series

12 flashcards to master Reactivity series

Smart Spaced Repetition

Rate each card Hard, Okay, or Easy after flipping. Your progress is saved and cards are scheduled for optimal review intervals.

Key Concept Flip

Why is aluminium used in aircraft manufacture?

Answer Flip

Aluminium is used in aircraft due to its low density. This reduces the overall weight of the aircraft, improving fuel efficiency and performance.

Key Concept Flip

Why is aluminium used in overhead electrical cables?

Answer Flip

Aluminium is suitable for overhead cables because it possesses both low density and good electrical conductivity. Low density minimizes the load on support structures, while good conductivity ensures efficient power transmission.

Key Concept Flip

Explain why aluminium is used in food containers.

Answer Flip

Aluminium is used in food containers due to its resistance to corrosion. This prevents the aluminium from reacting with the food, preserving its quality and safety.

Key Concept Flip

Why is copper used in electrical wiring?

Answer Flip

Copper is used in electrical wiring because of its good electrical conductivity and ductility. High conductivity allows for efficient electron flow, and its ductility allows it to be drawn into wires easily.

Key Concept Flip

Do Group 1 metals show catalytic behavior?

Answer Flip

No, Group 1 metals do not exhibit catalytic behavior. Transition metals are more commonly used as catalysts.

Definition Flip

What are the oxidation states of Group 1 metals?

Answer Flip

Group 1 metals have fixed oxidation states. They consistently form +1 ions due to easily losing their one outer electron.

Key Concept Flip

Describe TWO observations you could make when potassium reacts with water.

Answer Flip

Possible observations include: the potassium moves/floats on the water's surface; it dissolves/disappears as it reacts; bubbles/effervescence/fizzing occurs; a lilac flame is produced; the potassium may explode; the potassium melts/forms a spherical shape.

Key Concept Flip

Write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction of potassium with water, including state symbols.

Answer Flip

2K(s) + 2H₂O(l) → 2KOH(aq) + H₂(g). This equation shows that potassium reacts with water to produce potassium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

Key Concept Flip

How do the melting points of transition elements compare to those of Group 1 elements?

Answer Flip

Transition elements generally have higher melting points compared to Group 1 elements. This is due to stronger metallic bonding.

Key Concept Flip

How do the densities of transition elements compare to Group 1 elements?

Answer Flip

Transition elements generally have higher densities than Group 1 elements. This relates to the size and arrangement of their atoms.

Key Concept Flip

If chlorine is added to potassium bromide solution, what colour change is observed?

Answer Flip

The solution changes from colourless to orange/brown. This is because bromine is displaced.

Key Concept Flip

In the reaction between chlorine and potassium bromide, which element is reduced?

Answer Flip

In the reaction between chlorine and potassium bromide, bromine is displaced. Chlorine gains electrons and is reduced.

Review the material

Read revision notes with definitions, equations, and exam tips.

Read Notes

Test yourself

Practice with MCQ questions to check your understanding.

Take Quiz
9.1 Properties of metals 9.3 Extraction of metals

Key Questions: Reactivity series

What are the oxidation states of Group 1 metals?

Group 1 metals have fixed oxidation states. They consistently form +1 ions due to easily losing their one outer electron.

About Reactivity series (9.2)

These 12 flashcards cover everything you need to know about Reactivity series for your Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.

What You'll Learn

How to Study Effectively

Use the Study Mode button above to test yourself one card at a time. Try to answer each question before flipping the card. Review cards you find difficult more frequently.

Continue Learning

After mastering Reactivity series, explore these related topics: