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 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 6 of 11 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 11
Practice
20 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