Key Facts to Memorise
Part of The Reactivity Series · GCSE GCSE Chemistry revision
This key facts covers Key Facts to Memorise within The Reactivity Series for GCSE Chemistry. Revise The Reactivity Series in Chemical Changes for GCSE Chemistry with 28 exam-style questions and 20 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 6 of 12 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 6 of 12
Practice
28 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
📌 Key Facts to Memorise
- Reactivity = how easily a metal loses its outer electrons to form positive ions
- More reactive metals have outer electrons further from nucleus + more shielding = weaker attraction
- K, Na, Li, Ca react vigorously with COLD water → metal hydroxide + hydrogen gas
- Mg, Al, Zn, Fe react with STEAM only → metal oxide + hydrogen gas
- Metals above hydrogen react with dilute acids → salt + hydrogen gas
- Metals above carbon must be extracted by ELECTROLYSIS (too reactive for carbon reduction)
- Metals below carbon can be extracted by CARBON REDUCTION (cheaper and easier)
- Test for hydrogen: Put a lighted splint near the gas — "squeaky pop" = hydrogen confirmed!
- Au, Ag, Pt are found NATIVE (uncombined) because they're so unreactive
Keep building this topic
Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in The Reactivity Series. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.
Practice Questions for The Reactivity Series
Which of the following shows metals listed in order from MOST reactive to LEAST reactive?
Iron filings are added to copper sulfate solution. Explain what happens, including what is observed and why the reaction occurs.
Quick Recall Flashcards
28 questions on The Reactivity Series — practise free
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