This definitions covers Key Definitions within The Reactivity Series for GCSE Chemistry. Revise The Reactivity Series in Chemical Changes for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 20 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 5 of 11 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
Topic position
Section 5 of 11
Practice
20 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
📖 Key Definitions
Reactivity series: A list of metals (and carbon and hydrogen) arranged in order of decreasing reactivity — from most reactive at the top (potassium) to least reactive at the bottom (gold).
Oxidation: The loss of electrons by an atom or ion. In reactions with water or acid, the metal atom is oxidised (loses electrons to form positive ions).
Reduction: The gain of electrons by an atom or ion. In displacement reactions, the metal ion in solution gains electrons and becomes a neutral metal atom.
Electrolysis: Using electricity to decompose an ionic compound. Required to extract metals more reactive than carbon (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al) because carbon cannot reduce them.
Carbon reduction: Using carbon (coke) or carbon monoxide to extract metals less reactive than carbon from their oxides. Used in the blast furnace to extract iron.