SPRINGER LORETTO GIRLS' SCHOOL

CLASS 10, CHEMISTRY,

CHAPTER 3 : Metals and Non-metals
QUESTION - ANSWERS PART 1
3.1 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
3.1.1 Metals
3.1.2 Non-metals
3.2 CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF METALS
Section 3.1: Physical Properties

1. (3.1.1 Metals)
What is the term used for the property of metals that allows them to be beaten into thin
sheets?
2. (3.1.1 Metals)
Which metal is the most malleable?
3. (3.1.1 Metals)
What is the property of metals that allows them to be drawn into thin wires?
4. Name two metals that are good conductors of heat.
5. (3.1.1 Metals)
What property of metals is responsible for the sound produced when they strike a hard
surface?
6. (3.1.2 Non-metals)
Name two non-metals that are solid at room temperature.
7. (3.1.2 Non-metals)
Which non-metal is an exception and exists as a liquid at room temperature?
8. (3.1.2 Non-metals)
Name a non-metal that can conduct electricity.
9. (3.1.2 Non-metals)
Which physical property of non-metals makes them poor conductors of heat?
10. (3.1.2 Non-metals)
Do non-metals form positive or negative ions when they react with metals?
11. (3.1.1 Metals and 3.1.2 Non-metals)
What is the main difference between metals and non-metals in terms of electrical
conductivity?
12. (3.1.1 Metals and 3.1.2 Non-metals)
What is an example of a non-metal that is lustrous in appearance?

Detailed answers and explanations

1. Metals can be beaten into thin sheets due to their property called malleability. This property
allows metals to undergo deformation under compressive stress. When metals are hammered, they
do not break but flatten into thin sheets, which is why metals like gold and aluminum are often
used in industries to make foils and sheets.

2. The most malleable metal is gold. Gold can be hammered into extremely thin sheets without
breaking. This property makes gold ideal for uses in jewelry and decorative applications. Silver is
also highly malleable, but gold is considered the most malleable.

3. The property of metals that allows them to be drawn into thin wires is called ductility. Metals
like copper and gold are highly ductile and can be stretched into long, thin wires without breaking.
This is why copper is widely used for electrical wiring.

4. Two metals that are good conductors of heat are copper and silver. Copper is used extensively
in cooking utensils, heat exchangers, and electrical wiring due to its high thermal conductivity.
Silver has an even higher conductivity, but it is not commonly used due to its cost.
5. The property of metals that is responsible for the sound produced when they strike a hard
surface is called sonority. Metals like iron, steel, and brass produce a ringing sound when struck,
which is why they are used in making bells, musical instruments, and other objects that need to
produce sound.

6. Two non-metals that are solid at room temperature are carbon (in the form of graphite or
diamond) and sulfur. These non-metals are typically brittle and do not have the malleability or
ductility of metals.

7. The non-metal that exists as a liquid at room temperature is bromine. Unlike other non-metals
that are gases or solids, bromine is unique because it is a reddish-brown liquid at standard
conditions.

8. Graphite, a form of carbon, is a non-metal that can conduct electricity. This is because graphite
has free electrons that allow it to carry an electric current, unlike most other non-metals that are
poor conductors of electricity.

9. Non-metals are poor conductors of heat because they have low thermal conductivity. The
atoms in non-metals are typically not as closely packed as in metals, which makes it harder for
them to transfer heat. For example, gases like oxygen and nitrogen, as well as solids like sulfur, do
not efficiently conduct heat.

10. Non-metals form negative ions (anions) when they react with metals. Non-metals tend to gain
electrons in order to achieve a stable electron configuration, which results in a negatively charged
ion. For example, when chlorine reacts with sodium, chlorine gains an electron to form the chloride
ion (Cl⁻).

11. The main difference between metals and non-metals in terms of electrical conductivity is that
metals are good conductors of electricity, while non-metals are generally poor conductors.
Metals have free electrons that allow electricity to flow easily, while non-metals lack this free
electron movement. The exception to this rule is graphite, a form of carbon, which can conduct
electricity.

12. Iodine is an example of a non-metal that is lustrous. Although most non-metals are dull, iodine
is an exception as it has a shiny, metallic-like appearance when it crystallizes. This lustrous
appearance is a physical property more commonly associated with metals.

Section 3.1: Physical Properties

1. (3.1.1 Metals)
What is the term used to describe the shiny appearance of metals?
2. (3.1.1 Metals)
Name two metals that can be easily cut with a knife.
3. (3.1.1 Metals)
Which metal is used to make cooking utensils due to its ability to conduct heat well?
4. (3.1.1 Metals)
What property of metals allows them to be hammered into thin sheets?
5. (3.1.1 Metals)
What is the term used for the ability of metals to conduct electricity?
6. (3.1.2 Non-metals)
What is the general state of non-metals at room temperature?
7. (3.1.2 Non-metals)
Name a non-metal that is a gas at room temperature.
8. (3.1.2 Non-metals)
Why are non-metals generally poor conductors of electricity?
9. (3.1.2 Non-metals)
Which non-metal is used in making electric conductors despite being a non-metal?
10. (3.1.2 Non-metals)
Do non-metals form basic or acidic oxides when combined with oxygen?
 11. (3.1.1 Metals and 3.1.2 Non-metals)
Which property differentiates metals from non-metals in terms of their ability to conduct
electricity?
12. (3.1.1 Metals and 3.1.2 Non-metals)
Which property of metals makes them suitable for use in wires and cables?

Section 3.1: Physical Properties

1. (3.1.1 Metals)
A metal is hammered into thin sheets and drawn into wires. What physical properties of the
metal allow it to be used in making foil and wires?
2. (3.1.1 Metals)
If you were to compare the hardness of iron and lead, which metal would be harder and
why?
3. (3.1.1 Metals)
Copper and aluminum are both good conductors of electricity, but copper is preferred for
electrical wires. Why is copper more commonly used, despite aluminum being lighter?
4. (3.1.1 Metals)
A piece of magnesium is heated, and a white powder forms on its surface. What does this
observation tell you about the reactivity of magnesium with oxygen, and why is this
property important?
5. (3.1.2 Non-metals)
Graphite, a non-metal, can conduct electricity, but most other non-metals cannot. How does
graphite's structure explain its ability to conduct electricity?
6. (3.1.2 Non-metals)
Why is iodine considered an exception among non-metals due to its lustrous appearance,
and how does this property compare with other non-metals like sulfur and oxygen?
7. (3.1.2 Non-metals)
Non-metals are generally poor conductors of heat. Why is this property of non-metals
significant in their use as insulators?
8. (3.1.2 Non-metals)
Sulfur and phosphorus are both non-metals that exist as solids at room temperature, yet
their properties differ significantly from metals. How do the physical properties of sulfur and
phosphorus demonstrate the general characteristics of non-metals?
9. (3.1.1 Metals and 3.1.2 Non-metals)
Metals are typically malleable, while non-metals are brittle. How does this difference in
properties affect the uses of metals and non-metals in industries?
10. (3.1.1 Metals and 3.1.2 Non-metals)
A non-metal is a good insulator and has a high melting point. What would you expect its
physical properties to be in comparison to metals, and why is this non-metal useful in
certain applications?
11. (3.1.1 Metals and 3.1.2 Non-metals)
Explain why metals are good conductors of both electricity and heat, while most non-metals
are not. How does this difference impact their roles in everyday life?
12. (3.1.1 Metals and 3.1.2 Non-metals)
A metal like sodium reacts vigorously with water, while a non-metal like sulfur does not react
at all. How does the reactivity of metals and non-metals towards water highlight their
contrasting chemical behaviors?

Detailed answers and explanations

1. Metals that are hammered into thin sheets and drawn into wires exhibit malleability and
ductility. Malleability allows metals to be shaped into thin sheets, and ductility allows them to be
drawn into wires without breaking. These properties are due to the ability of metal atoms to slide
past each other while maintaining metallic bonding, which prevents the material from fracturing.

2. When comparing the hardness of iron and lead, iron is significantly harder than lead. This is
because iron has a more tightly packed atomic structure and stronger metallic bonds compared to
lead. The metal atoms in iron are more rigidly structured, making it resistant to deformation, while
lead has a more easily deformable structure.
3. Copper is preferred over aluminum for electrical wiring because copper has better electrical
conductivity and is more durable. While aluminum is lighter, it has lower conductivity and is more
prone to corrosion over time. Copper’s conductivity, strength, and ease of use make it the more
reliable choice for electrical wires despite its heavier weight.

4. When magnesium is heated and forms a white powder (magnesium oxide), it indicates that
magnesium is highly reactive with oxygen to form metal oxides. This property is important
because magnesium's reaction with oxygen results in the formation of a protective layer of oxide
that prevents further corrosion, which is why magnesium is used in applications like aircraft parts
and fireworks.

5. Graphite is able to conduct electricity because of its unique structure: each carbon atom in
graphite is bonded to three other carbon atoms in flat, hexagonal layers, and these layers are held
together by weak forces. The fourth electron of each carbon atom is free to move between the
layers, allowing graphite to conduct electricity, unlike most other non-metals, which do not have
free-moving electrons.

6. Iodine is considered an exception among non-metals because it is lustrous, unlike most non-
metals, which are dull. The lustrous appearance is due to iodine's molecular structure, which allows
it to reflect light. In contrast, non-metals like sulfur and oxygen are non-reflective and usually have
a dull appearance.

7. Non-metals are poor conductors of heat because they have weak atomic bonds and less
dense atomic structures, which make it difficult for heat energy to transfer efficiently. This
property makes non-metals good insulators, which is why materials like rubber, glass, and plastic
(non-metals) are used to insulate electrical wires and prevent heat loss.

8. Sulfur and phosphorus are non-metals that exist as solids at room temperature, but their
properties differ from metals. Sulfur exists as yellow, brittle crystals, and phosphorus exists in
several allotropes, including white phosphorus, which is soft and reactive. Both these elements
demonstrate the lack of malleability and brittleness typical of non-metals, and they also lack
the high density and electrical conductivity of metals.

9. The difference in properties—malleability and ductility in metals versus brittleness in non-

metals—affects their uses. Metals, being malleable and ductile, are used in applications like
construction, electrical wiring, and manufacturing, where shaping and forming are necessary. On
the other hand, non-metals, due to their brittleness, are used in applications like insulation, where
flexibility is not needed, but their ability to form gases or solid structures is beneficial.

10. Non-metals like sulfur and phosphorus are generally poor conductors and have high
melting points compared to metals. These characteristics are due to their molecular structures
where the atoms are held by covalent bonds, making it harder for heat to be conducted. Non-
metals, therefore, are often used in high-temperature applications like furnace linings (due to high
melting points) and in insulating materials where they prevent the flow of heat.

11. Metals are good conductors of electricity and heat because of the free electrons present in
the metallic bonding. These electrons allow the flow of electric current and transfer of heat
efficiently. Non-metals, in contrast, lack free-moving electrons, so they do not conduct electricity
or heat well. This fundamental difference makes metals suitable for electrical wiring and thermal
conductors, while non-metals are often used as insulators or in non-conductive applications.

12. The reactivity of metals with water and the lack of reactivity in non-metals highlight their
contrasting chemical behaviors. Sodium, a metal, reacts vigorously with water, producing heat and
hydrogen gas. In contrast, sulfur, a non-metal, does not react with water. This difference illustrates
the higher reactivity of metals compared to the typically inert behavior of non-metals toward
water.

Section 3.1: Physical Properties

 1. (3.1.1 Metals)
If a metal is both malleable and ductile, what can you infer about its atomic structure? How
do these properties affect its use in industries?
2. (3.1.1 Metals)
Metals like gold and silver are known for their high malleability. Why are these metals
particularly valuable for making jewelry despite being soft in their pure form?
3. (3.1.1 Metals)
Why is aluminum used to make cooking utensils, even though it is a relatively soft metal
compared to iron or steel?
4. (3.1.1 Metals)
Given that metals are good conductors of electricity and heat, how would the absence of
these properties affect a metal's usefulness in everyday applications?
5. (3.1.1 Metals)
If a metal is sonorous, what does this indicate about its physical properties? Can you think of
a practical use of this property?
6. (3.1.2 Non-metals)
Most non-metals are poor conductors of electricity. How would this property affect the use of
non-metals in the design of electrical devices?
7. (3.1.2 Non-metals)
Given that non-metals are usually brittle, what challenges does this pose when trying to use
non-metals for industrial applications?
8. (3.1.2 Non-metals)
Since non-metals are usually poor conductors of heat, what role might they play in insulating
materials used for construction or electrical wiring?
9. (3.1.1 Metals and 3.1.2 Non-metals)
Metals and non-metals differ in their ability to conduct electricity. What might be the
consequences of using a non-metal instead of a metal in electrical wiring?
10. (3.1.1 Metals and 3.1.2 Non-metals)
How do the properties of metals and non-metals contribute to their contrasting uses in
everyday life, such as in electrical devices, utensils, or building materials?
11. (3.1.1 Metals and 3.1.2 Non-metals)
Given that metals are malleable and non-metals are brittle, how would their physical states
(solid, liquid, or gas) influence their usage in manufacturing or construction?
12. (3.1.1 Metals and 3.1.2 Non-metals)
Non-metals like carbon exist in different allotropes (diamond, graphite). How do the physical
properties of these allotropes affect their different uses?

Detailed answers and explanations

1. Metals that are malleable and ductile typically have a close-packed atomic structure with
free electrons that can move easily. This arrangement allows the metal atoms to slide past each
other without breaking the metallic bond, making the metal both malleable (able to be hammered
into thin sheets) and ductile (able to be drawn into wires). These properties make metals suitable
for various industrial applications like manufacturing wires, sheets, and other structures, as they
can be shaped and stretched without breaking.

2. Gold and silver, despite being relatively soft in their pure form, are highly malleable. This
means they can be hammered into thin sheets or molded into intricate shapes, which is a desirable
property for jewelry making. Their malleability, combined with their lustrous appearance, makes
them ideal for decorative purposes. Additionally, gold and silver do not tarnish easily, which
enhances their value and longevity in jewelry.

3. Aluminum is used for cooking utensils despite being softer than iron or steel because it has
excellent thermal conductivity, meaning it heats up quickly and evenly. Aluminum also has low
density, making it lightweight and easy to handle, and it is non-corrosive, which makes it safe for
food preparation. These properties make it ideal for cookware, even though it is softer than other
metals like iron.

4. If a metal lacked the ability to conduct electricity and heat, it would lose much of its practical
use in industries where these properties are crucial, such as in electrical wiring and cooking
equipment. Metals are chosen for electrical wiring because they allow electricity to pass through
them easily, and for cooking, because they conduct heat efficiently, helping to cook food evenly.
Without these conductive properties, the metal would not perform well in these applications.

5. If a metal is sonorous, it means that it produces a ringing sound when struck. This indicates
that the metal is hard and has a strong atomic structure that can vibrate and produce sound
waves. Metals like iron and steel are sonorous and are used in applications such as making bells,
musical instruments, and alarm systems because their ability to produce sound is useful in
these devices.

6. Non-metals are poor conductors of electricity because they do not have free-moving electrons
(except for graphite, a form of carbon). The absence of these free electrons means that electricity
cannot flow through non-metals easily. This property makes non-metals useful for insulating
electrical devices, as they prevent the unintended flow of electricity, ensuring the safety and
efficiency of electrical systems.

7. The brittleness of non-metals poses a challenge in industrial applications where materials need
to be shaped, bent, or used in situations where high stress or impact is involved. For example,
glass (a non-metal) is brittle and can break easily, which limits its use in applications where
flexibility or impact resistance is required. Non-metals are generally not used for structural
purposes where strength and durability are critical.

8. Since non-metals are poor conductors of heat, they are often used as insulating materials. For
example, rubber and plastic (both non-metals) are used to coat electrical wires to prevent heat
loss and electrical shocks. Additionally, non-metals like fiberglass and foam are used in
construction to provide insulation against temperature extremes, helping to keep buildings warm in
winter and cool in summer.

9. If a non-metal were used instead of a metal for electrical wiring, it would likely fail to conduct
electricity effectively because non-metals generally do not have free electrons to allow the
passage of current. For instance, rubber is a good insulator but not a conductor, so replacing metal
wires with rubber would result in no electricity flow, which would render electrical devices
inoperative. This is why copper or aluminum is commonly used for wiring.

10. Metals and non-metals differ significantly in their physical properties, leading to their diverse
uses. Metals, being conductive, malleable, and ductile, are used in wires, machines, and
cooking utensils. Non-metals, being insulating, brittle, and non-conductive, are used in
electrical insulation, lightbulb filaments (like carbon), and chemical reactions. Their
contrasting properties allow each to serve specific roles in daily life and various industries.

11. Metals are typically solid, malleable, and ductile, which makes them easy to shape into
various forms. Their solid state and malleability make them suitable for manufacturing tools,
machines, and structures. On the other hand, non-metals, which are brittle in their solid form, may
require additional support or protection (such as coating or using reinforced materials) when
used in construction. For example, metals are often preferred in construction for structural support,
while non-metals may be used for finishes or insulation.

12. Graphite and diamond are two allotropes of carbon, each with distinct properties. Graphite
is a good conductor of electricity and is used in electrical applications, such as in pencils and
batteries. Diamond, on the other hand, is the hardest known substance and is used in cutting
tools and jewelry. These differences are due to the distinct arrangements of carbon atoms in
each allotrope: graphite forms layers of carbon atoms, allowing electricity to flow, while diamond
forms a rigid, three-dimensional structure, making it hard and non-conductive.

Section 3.1: Physical Properties

1. (3.1.1 Metals)
If a metal is both malleable and ductile, what does this indicate about its ability to be shaped
and used in various industries? Can you think of an example where both properties would be
required?
 2. (3.1.1 Metals)
Why do you think gold and silver are widely used for making jewelry, even though they are
soft metals? How do their physical properties influence their use in ornaments?
3. (3.1.1 Metals)
If a metal conducts electricity well but is not malleable, what kind of applications would it be
suitable for? Can you give an example of such a metal and explain why its brittleness
doesn’t affect its usage?
4. (3.1.1 Metals)
You are given a sample of iron and lead. You hammer both metals with a hammer. Which
one will change shape more easily, and why? What does this tell you about the internal
structure of these metals?
5. (3.1.2 Non-metals)
Non-metals are generally brittle, but graphite (a form of carbon) is an exception as it can
conduct electricity. Why does graphite differ from most non-metals, and how does its
structure help it conduct electricity?
6. (3.1.2 Non-metals)
Considering that most non-metals are poor conductors of electricity and heat, how can this
property be useful in everyday life? Provide at least two examples where non-metals are
preferred for their insulating properties.
7. (3.1.1 Metals and 3.1.2 Non-metals)
Both metals and non-metals have distinct properties that make them useful in different
fields. If you were to choose a material for making wires, which one would you choose:
copper or sulfur, and why?
8. (3.1.1 Metals and 3.1.2 Non-metals)
Metals like aluminum are good conductors of heat, but they are lighter and softer than
metals like iron. What factors would influence the choice between these two metals for
making a cooking utensil?

Detailed answers with explanations

1. If a metal is both malleable and ductile, it means that it can be shaped into thin sheets and
drawn into wires without breaking. These properties make metals highly useful in industries where
the metal needs to be molded or shaped into different forms. For example, copper is both
malleable and ductile, making it ideal for use in electrical wires and cooking utensils, where it
needs to be formed into thin wires or thin sheets.

2. Gold and silver are widely used for making jewelry despite being soft metals because they are
highly malleable and ductile, meaning they can be easily shaped into intricate designs. These
metals also have an attractive luster and are resistant to tarnish, which makes them ideal for use
in jewelry. Their softness is less of an issue in jewelry, as it can be alloyed with harder metals to
improve strength without losing their aesthetic appeal.

3. A metal that conducts electricity well but is not malleable would be suitable for applications
where electrical conductivity is important but shaping the material is not necessary. For example,
copper is used in electrical wiring, while tungsten is used in lightbulb filaments. While tungsten is
brittle, its high melting point and excellent conductivity make it ideal for these applications, where
the metal doesn't need to be shaped or bent extensively.

4. When you hammer iron and lead, lead will change shape more easily than iron because lead is
much softer. This is due to the atomic structure of lead, which is less tightly packed than iron,
allowing its atoms to slide past each other more easily. This makes lead more malleable, while iron
is harder and more rigid, requiring more force to change its shape. The internal structure of iron,
with stronger metallic bonds, contributes to its hardness.

5. Graphite is an exception among non-metals because, unlike most non-metals, it can conduct
electricity. This ability is due to its layered structure, where each carbon atom is bonded to three
other carbon atoms in flat, hexagonal layers. These layers are held together by weak forces,
allowing the free movement of electrons between them. This structure enables graphite to act as
an electrical conductor, which is why it is used in pencil leads and electrical contacts.
6. The fact that most non-metals are poor conductors of electricity and heat makes them ideal for
use as insulating materials. For example, rubber is used to coat electrical wires because it
prevents the flow of electricity and protects against electrical shocks. Glass is another non-metal
used for thermal insulation in windows, as it prevents heat loss or gain. These insulating
properties of non-metals are crucial for safety and energy efficiency.

7. When choosing between copper and sulfur for making wires, copper would be the better
choice. Copper is a metal and a good conductor of electricity, which makes it ideal for use in
electrical wiring. Sulfur, on the other hand, is a non-metal and does not conduct electricity well,
making it unsuitable for electrical applications. Copper’s ability to conduct electricity, along with its
malleability and ductility, makes it the preferred material for wiring.

8. When choosing between aluminum and iron for making a cooking utensil, several factors must
be considered. Aluminum is lightweight, good at conducting heat, and non-corrosive,
making it ideal for use in cookware, where quick and even heating is important. However,
aluminum is softer and more prone to scratching. Iron, on the other hand, is heavier, stronger,
and holds heat longer, which makes it great for cooking methods that require steady heat, like
frying. The choice between aluminum and iron depends on the specific cooking requirements, such
as the need for heat conductivity or durability.

3.2.1 What happens when Metals are burnt in Air?

3.2.2 What happens when Metals react with Water?
3.2.3 What happens when Metals react with Acids?
3.2.4 How do Metals react with Solutions of other Metal Salts?
3.2.5 The Reactivity Series
Section 3.2.1: What happens when Metals are burnt in Air?

1. What happens when magnesium metal is burnt in air?

2. Name the metal that forms a white powder when heated in air.
3. What is formed when copper is heated in the air?
4. When metals burn in air, they generally form what type of compound?
5. What is the color of the flame produced when magnesium burns in air?
6. What is formed when aluminum is heated in air?
7. Why do metals form oxides when burnt in air?
8. What type of oxide is generally formed when iron is burnt in air?
9. What happens to lead when it is heated in air?
10. Does silver react with oxygen when heated in air? Explain why or why not.

Section 3.2.2: What happens when Metals react with Water?

11. What does sodium metal produce when it reacts with water?
12. What is the general product when a metal reacts with water?
13. Why is potassium stored under oil?
14. Which metal reacts vigorously with cold water to produce hydrogen gas?
15. Which metal, when placed in water, produces heat and hydrogen gas?
16. Does magnesium react with cold water? Explain your answer.
17. What happens when calcium reacts with water?
18. Which metal floats on water when it reacts with water?
19. What is the product when zinc reacts with water vapor (steam)?
20. Why does iron not react with cold water but reacts with steam?

Section 3.2.3: What happens when Metals react with Acids?

21. What gas is released when magnesium reacts with hydrochloric acid?
22. What is formed when zinc reacts with dilute sulfuric acid?
23. Which acid is commonly used to test the reactivity of metals like iron?
24. What happens when aluminum reacts with hydrochloric acid?
25. Does copper react with hydrochloric acid? Explain why or why not.
 26. What is the general product when a metal reacts with an acid?
27. What happens when iron reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid?
28. Which metal reacts most vigorously with acids and why?
29. What is produced when lead reacts with dilute acids?
30. What happens when calcium reacts with dilute acids?

Section 3.2.4: How do Metals react with Solutions of other Metal Salts?

31. What happens when copper wire is placed in a solution of iron sulfate?
32. What type of reaction occurs when a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal
from its solution?
33. What does the displacement reaction between zinc and copper sulfate result in?
34. If magnesium is placed in a solution of zinc sulfate, what will happen?
35. How can you use a displacement reaction to determine the relative reactivity of metals?
36. In a reaction between iron nails and copper sulfate, which metal gets displaced?
37. What does the solution turn into when zinc is placed in a solution of copper sulfate?
38. What happens when a less reactive metal is placed in a solution of a more reactive metal’s
salt?

Section 3.2.5: The Reactivity Series

39. Which metal is at the top of the reactivity series?

40. Name the metals that are found at the bottom of the reactivity series.
41. Which metal is the least reactive in the reactivity series?
42. How can you use the reactivity series to predict the outcome of a displacement reaction?
43. Why is potassium more reactive than magnesium in the reactivity series?
44. What is the order of reactivity for magnesium, zinc, and iron?
45. Which metal, calcium or copper, is more reactive and why?
46. How does the reactivity of sodium compare to that of iron?
47. Why is gold placed at the bottom of the reactivity series?
48. In a displacement reaction, if magnesium is placed in a copper sulfate solution, what will
happen and why?
49. How would you rank zinc, lead, and potassium in terms of reactivity?
50. Which of the following metals reacts most vigorously with dilute hydrochloric acid: zinc,
aluminum, or copper?
51. What happens to the reactivity of metals as you move down the reactivity series?
52. Which metal is likely to displace another from its salt solution: sodium or gold?

Detailed answers with explanations

1. When magnesium metal is burnt in air, it reacts with oxygen to form magnesium oxide
(MgO), which is a white powder. The reaction is highly exothermic and produces a brilliant white
flame.

2. When copper is heated in the air, it forms copper(II) oxide (CuO), a black oxide. The reaction
occurs because copper reacts with oxygen to form the oxide.

3. The white powder formed when magnesium is heated in air is magnesium oxide (MgO). This
happens because magnesium reacts with oxygen in the air during combustion.

4. When metals burn in air, they generally form metal oxides. This happens as the metal atoms
react with oxygen to form an oxide, which is a compound containing oxygen and the metal.

5. When magnesium burns in air, it produces a brilliant white flame. This is due to the intense
heat generated by the reaction, which excites the magnesium atoms and causes them to emit a
bright white light.

6. When aluminum is heated in air, it forms aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), a white, powdery
substance. Aluminum reacts with oxygen in the air to form this oxide layer, which protects the
metal from further oxidation.
7. Metals form oxides when they burn in air because they react with oxygen in the air. Oxygen is
highly reactive, and when metals are heated, they combine with oxygen to form stable metal
oxides.

8. The oxide formed when iron is burnt in air is iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃), which is a reddish-brown
substance. The reaction occurs when iron reacts with oxygen in the air.

9. When lead is heated in air, it forms lead(II) oxide (PbO), a yellowish substance. Lead reacts
with oxygen at high temperatures to form this oxide.

10. Silver does not react significantly with oxygen when heated in air because it is one of the least
reactive metals. Silver tends to remain shiny and does not form an oxide at normal temperatures.

11. Sodium reacts vigorously with cold water to form sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and
hydrogen gas (H₂). The reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat, which causes the
hydrogen gas to ignite and burn with a characteristic flame.

12. When a metal reacts with water, it generally produces a metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas
(H₂). For example, when sodium reacts with water, it forms sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and
hydrogen gas.

13. Potassium is stored under oil because it reacts very vigorously with water, and the oil
prevents the potassium from coming into contact with moisture in the air. This reaction could
otherwise lead to an explosion.

14. Potassium reacts violently with cold water to produce potassium hydroxide (KOH) and
hydrogen gas (H₂). The reaction is very exothermic and may cause the hydrogen to ignite,
leading to flames.

15. Magnesium does not react with cold water significantly, but it reacts with hot water. It
forms magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) and releases hydrogen gas (H₂).

16. Magnesium does not react with cold water because it has a relatively low reactivity with water
at room temperature. However, it reacts with hot water to form magnesium hydroxide and
hydrogen gas.

17. When calcium reacts with water, it forms calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) and hydrogen gas
(H₂). The reaction is exothermic, and the calcium may float on the surface of the water due to the
release of hydrogen gas.

18. Sodium and potassium are metals that float on water when they react. This is due to the
hydrogen gas produced during the reaction, which gets trapped under the metal and makes it less
dense.

19. When zinc reacts with water vapor (steam), it forms zinc oxide (ZnO) and hydrogen gas
(H₂). This reaction is slower than those of the alkali metals with water but still produces hydrogen
gas.

20. Iron does not react with cold water because it is less reactive compared to other metals like
sodium or potassium. However, iron reacts with steam to form iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃) and
hydrogen gas.

21. When magnesium reacts with hydrochloric acid, it produces magnesium chloride (MgCl₂)
and hydrogen gas (H₂). The reaction is exothermic and releases hydrogen gas, which can be
collected.

22. When zinc reacts with dilute sulfuric acid, it forms zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) and hydrogen gas
(H₂). The reaction is typical of metals reacting with acids to produce salts and hydrogen.
23. Hydrochloric acid is commonly used to test the reactivity of metals like iron. When a metal
reacts with hydrochloric acid, it produces a salt and hydrogen gas.

24. When aluminum reacts with hydrochloric acid, it forms aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) and
hydrogen gas (H₂). The reaction is vigorous, and aluminum dissolves in the acid to form the
chloride salt.

25. Copper does not react with hydrochloric acid because it is a very low-reactivity metal. It
does not displace hydrogen from the acid, so no gas is released in this reaction.

26. When a metal reacts with an acid, it generally produces a salt and hydrogen gas. For
example, when magnesium reacts with hydrochloric acid, it forms magnesium chloride and
hydrogen gas.

27. When iron reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid, it forms iron chloride (FeCl₂) and
hydrogen gas (H₂). The reaction is similar to other metal-acid reactions, producing a salt and
hydrogen.

28. Magnesium reacts most vigorously with acids because it is higher in the reactivity series
than other metals. This high reactivity causes magnesium to release hydrogen gas quickly and
produce a lot of heat.

29. When lead reacts with dilute acids, it forms lead(II) salt and hydrogen gas (H₂). The
reaction with dilute acids is much slower compared to more reactive metals like magnesium.

30. When calcium reacts with dilute acids, it produces calcium salts and hydrogen gas (H₂).
The reaction is typically quite vigorous, releasing a significant amount of hydrogen gas.

31. When copper wire is placed in a solution of iron sulfate, no reaction occurs because copper
is less reactive than iron. Copper cannot displace iron from its salt solution.

32. In a displacement reaction, a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its salt
solution. For example, when zinc is placed in copper sulfate solution, zinc displaces copper, and
zinc sulfate is formed.

33. The displacement reaction between zinc and copper sulfate results in the formation of zinc
sulfate (ZnSO₄) and the displacement of copper metal, which is seen as a reddish-brown deposit.

34. When magnesium is placed in a solution of zinc sulfate, no visible change occurs, as
magnesium is more reactive than zinc and cannot displace zinc from its salt solution.

35. The reactivity series helps predict which metals will react and which will not. For example,
more reactive metals like sodium can displace less reactive metals like copper from their
solutions, and the more reactive metal forms a salt while the displaced metal is released.

36. In a reaction between iron nails and copper sulfate, copper is displaced by iron, and iron
sulfate is formed. The iron nails turn brown due to the deposition of copper.

37. The solution turns blue when zinc is placed in a solution of copper sulfate because copper is
displaced by zinc, and zinc sulfate is formed, while copper is deposited.

38. When a less reactive metal is placed in a solution of a more reactive metal’s salt, no reaction
occurs. For example, gold cannot displace sodium from sodium chloride because gold is much
less reactive than sodium.

39. Potassium is at the top of the reactivity series because it reacts vigorously with both water
and oxygen. It is the most reactive metal in the series and readily forms compounds with non-
metals.
40. Metals like gold, platinum, and silver are at the bottom of the reactivity series because they
are very unreactive. They do not react easily with oxygen, water, or acids.

41. Gold is the least reactive metal in the reactivity series. It does not react with oxygen, water, or
most acids, which is why it is often used in jewelry and coins.

42. The reactivity series helps predict that magnesium will displace copper from its salt solution,
but copper will not displace magnesium because copper is lower in the reactivity series than
magnesium.

43. Potassium is more reactive than magnesium in the reactivity series because potassium
reacts very vigorously with water and forms potassium hydroxide and hydrogen gas, while
magnesium reacts more slowly.

44. The reactivity order for magnesium, zinc, and iron is: magnesium > zinc > iron.
Magnesium is the most reactive and reacts quickly with acids, zinc reacts more slowly, and iron
reacts least vigorously.

45. Calcium is more reactive than copper because calcium reacts with water and acids more
vigorously, whereas copper is much less reactive and does not react with water.

46. Sodium is more reactive than iron because sodium reacts vigorously with water, while iron
reacts more slowly and only with steam or acids.

47. Gold is placed at the bottom of the reactivity series because it is one of the least reactive
metals. It does not form compounds easily and resists corrosion.

48. In a displacement reaction between magnesium and copper sulfate, magnesium displaces
copper from its solution to form magnesium sulfate and copper metal. Magnesium is more
reactive than copper.

49. Zinc, lead, and potassium in terms of reactivity are ordered as potassium > zinc > lead.
Potassium is the most reactive, followed by zinc, and lead is the least reactive of these three
metals.

50. Magnesium reacts most vigorously with dilute hydrochloric acid because it is the most
reactive metal among the given options. The reaction is fast and produces a lot of hydrogen gas.

51. As you move down the reactivity series, the metals become less reactive. For example,
potassium and sodium are highly reactive, while gold and platinum are very unreactive.

52. Sodium is more likely to displace gold from its salt solution because sodium is much more
reactive than gold, which is one of the least reactive metals.

1. Magnesium burns in air to form magnesium oxide:

2Mg(s)+O2(g)→2MgO(s)

2. Copper reacts with oxygen to form copper(II) oxide:

2Cu(s)+O2(g)→2CuO(s)

3. The white powder formed when magnesium is heated in air is magnesium oxide:

2Mg(s)+O2(g)→2MgO(s)

4. Metals generally form metal oxides when they burn in air. For example, iron:
 3Fe(s)+2O2(g)→Fe3O4(s)

5. When magnesium burns in air, it produces a bright white flame and forms magnesium
oxide:

2Mg(s)+O2(g)→2MgO(s)

6. Aluminum reacts with oxygen in air to form aluminum oxide:

4Al(s)+3O2(g)→2Al2O3(s)

7. Metals form metal oxides when they burn in air because they react with oxygen:

2Mg(s)+O2(g)→2MgO(s)

8. When iron burns in air, it forms iron(III) oxide:

3Fe(s)+2O2(g)→Fe3O4(s)

9. When lead is heated in air, it forms lead(II) oxide:

2Pb(s)+O2(g)→2PbO(s)

10. Silver does not react significantly with oxygen when heated in air because it is very
unreactive.

11. When sodium reacts with water, it produces sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas:
2Na(s)+2H2O(l)→2NaOH(aq)+H2(g)

12. When a metal reacts with water, it typically forms a metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas. For
example, magnesium with water:

Mg(s)+2H2O(l)→Mg(OH)2(aq)+H2(g)

13. Potassium is stored under oil because it reacts violently with water:

2K(s)+2H2O(l)→2KOH(aq)+H2(g)

14. Potassium reacts very vigorously with cold water to produce potassium hydroxide and
hydrogen gas:

2K(s)+2H2O(l)→2KOH(aq)+H2(g)

15. Magnesium reacts with hot water to form magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen gas:

Mg(s)+2H2O(g)→Mg(OH)2(aq)+H2(g)

16. Magnesium does not react with cold water, but reacts with hot water to form magnesium
hydroxide:

Mg(s)+2H2O(l)→Mg(OH)2(aq)+H2(g)

17. When calcium reacts with water, it forms calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas:

Ca(s)+2H2O(l)→Ca(OH)2(aq)+H2(g)
18. Sodium and potassium float on water due to the hydrogen gas produced during their
reaction:

2Na(s)+2H2O(l)→2NaOH(aq)+H2(g)
2K(s)+2H2O(l)→2KOH(aq)+H2(g)

19. When zinc reacts with steam, it forms zinc oxide and hydrogen gas:

Zn(s)+H2O(g)→ZnO(s)+H2(g)

20. Iron reacts with steam to form iron(III) oxide and hydrogen gas:

3Fe(s)+4H2O(g)→Fe3O4(s)+4H2(g)
21. When magnesium reacts with hydrochloric acid, it forms magnesium chloride and
hydrogen gas:
Mg(s)+2HCl(aq)→MgCl2(aq)+H2(g)

22. When zinc reacts with dilute sulfuric acid, it forms zinc sulfate and hydrogen gas:

Zn(s)+H2SO4(aq)→ZnSO4(aq)+H2(g)

23. Hydrochloric acid reacts with metals to form metal chloride and hydrogen gas, for
example, zinc with hydrochloric acid:

Zn(s)+2HCl(aq)→ZnCl2(aq)+H2(g)

24. When aluminum reacts with hydrochloric acid, it forms aluminum chloride and hydrogen
gas:

2Al(s)+6HCl(aq)→2AlCl3(aq)+3H2(g)

25. Copper does not react with hydrochloric acid because it is low-reactivity metal. No
reaction occurs.

26. When a metal reacts with an acid, it forms a salt and hydrogen gas. For example,
magnesium with hydrochloric acid:

Mg(s)+2HCl(aq)→MgCl2(aq)+H2(g)

27. When iron reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid, it forms iron chloride and hydrogen gas:

Fe(s)+2HCl(aq)→FeCl2(aq)+H2(g)

28. Magnesium reacts most vigorously with acids because it is the most reactive metal, producing
a lot of hydrogen gas quickly.

29. When lead reacts with dilute acids, it forms lead chloride and hydrogen gas:

Pb(s)+2HCl(aq)→PbCl2(aq)+H2(g)

30. When calcium reacts with dilute acids, it forms calcium salt and hydrogen gas:

Ca(s)+2HCl(aq)→CaCl2(aq)+H2(g)
31. When copper is placed in a solution of iron sulfate, no reaction occurs because copper is
less reactive than iron. It cannot displace iron.
32. In a displacement reaction, a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its salt
solution. For example, zinc displaces copper from copper sulfate:

Zn(s)+CuSO4(aq)→ZnSO4(aq)+Cu(s)

33. When zinc reacts with copper sulfate, it displaces copper from the solution and forms zinc
sulfate and copper metal:

Zn(s)+CuSO4(aq)→ZnSO4(aq)+Cu(s)

34. When magnesium is placed in a solution of zinc sulfate, no reaction occurs because
magnesium is more reactive than zinc, and no displacement happens.

35. The reactivity series helps predict that magnesium will displace copper from its salt
solution because magnesium is more reactive. Magnesium sulfate and copper are produced:

Mg(s)+CuSO4(aq)→MgSO4(aq)+Cu(s)

36. In a reaction between iron nails and copper sulfate, iron displaces copper to form iron
sulfate and copper metal:

Fe(s)+CuSO4(aq)→FeSO4(aq)+Cu(s)

37. The solution turns blue when zinc is placed in copper sulfate because zinc displaces copper
from the solution:

Zn(s)+CuSO4(aq)→ZnSO4(aq)+Cu(s)

38. When a less reactive metal is placed in a solution of a more reactive metal’s salt, no reaction
occurs. For example, gold does not react with sodium chloride.

39. Potassium is at the top of the reactivity series:

2K(s)+2H2O(l)→2KOH(aq)+H2(g)

40. Metals like gold, platinum, and silver are at the bottom of the reactivity series because they
are least reactive and do not form compounds easily.

41. Gold is the least reactive metal in the reactivity series, so it does not react with oxygen,
water, or most acids.

42. In a displacement reaction, magnesium displaces copper from copper sulfate:

Mg(s)+CuSO4(aq)→MgSO4(aq)+Cu(s)

43. Potassium is more reactive than magnesium because potassium reacts explosively with
water, while magnesium reacts more slowly.

44. The reactivity order for magnesium, zinc, and iron is: magnesium > zinc > iron.

45. Calcium is more reactive than copper because calcium reacts vigorously with water and acids,
whereas copper is less reactive.
46. Sodium is more reactive than iron because sodium reacts violently with water, while iron
reacts slowly with steam or acids.

47. Gold is placed at the bottom of the reactivity series because it is very unreactive and does
not easily form compounds.

48. In a displacement reaction between magnesium and copper sulfate, magnesium displaces
copper to form magnesium sulfate and copper:

Mg(s)+CuSO4(aq)→MgSO4(aq)+Cu(s)

49. Zinc, lead, and potassium in terms of reactivity: potassium > zinc > lead.

50. Magnesium reacts most vigorously with dilute hydrochloric acid because it is the most
reactive metal among the options.

51. As you move down the reactivity series, metals become less reactive. For example,
potassium and sodium are highly reactive, while gold is very unreactive.

52. Sodium is more likely to displace gold from its salt solution because sodium is much more
reactive than gold.

Section 3.2.1: What happens when Metals are burnt in Air?

1. What happens when magnesium is burnt in air, and what product is formed?
2. Why does magnesium produce a brilliant white light when burnt in air?
3. What is the color of the oxide formed when copper is heated in the air?
4. How does the oxide formed when aluminum is burnt in air protect the metal from further
oxidation?
5. What type of oxide is formed when iron reacts with oxygen in the air?
6. Why do metals like gold and platinum not form oxides when heated in air?
7. What is the chemical formula of the oxide formed when magnesium burns in air?

Section 3.2.2: What happens when Metals react with Water?

8. What gas is released when sodium reacts with water, and what is the product formed?
9. Why is potassium stored under oil instead of air or water?
10. What happens when calcium reacts with cold water, and why does it float on the water?
11. Explain why magnesium does not react with cold water but reacts with hot water.
12. What products are formed when potassium reacts with water, and why is the reaction so
vigorous?
13. When zinc reacts with water vapor (steam), what product is formed?
14. What do you expect to happen when iron reacts with steam, and why does it differ from its
reaction with cold water?

Section 3.2.3: What happens when Metals react with Acids?

15. What is produced when magnesium reacts with hydrochloric acid?

16. Why does copper not react with hydrochloric acid, while other metals like zinc do?
17. When iron reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid, what gas is evolved and what salt is formed?
18. How do the reactions of alkali metals with acids differ from those of transition metals
like iron?
19. What happens when zinc reacts with sulfuric acid, and what is the gas released?
20. Why is aluminum highly reactive with acids but does not react with water at room
temperature?

Section 3.2.4: How do Metals react with Solutions of other Metal Salts?
 21. What happens when magnesium is placed in a solution of copper sulfate?
22. In a reaction where zinc is placed in copper sulfate solution, which metal will be displaced
and why?
23. How do displacement reactions demonstrate the reactivity of metals?
24. What will happen if copper is placed in a solution of zinc sulfate?
25. If iron nails are placed in a solution of copper sulfate, what happens to the solution and
the nails?
26. What does the displacement of copper by magnesium in copper sulfate indicate about
the reactivity of these two metals?

Section 3.2.5: The Reactivity Series

27. Why is potassium placed at the top of the reactivity series of metals?
28. What can the reactivity series tell us about the ability of a metal to displace another from
its salt solution?
29. Why does gold remain at the bottom of the reactivity series?
30. How does the reactivity series explain why magnesium can displace copper from its salt
solution?
31. Why is iron less reactive than calcium in the reactivity series?
32. How does the position of a metal in the reactivity series affect its reaction with acids and
water?

Detailed answers with explanations

1. When magnesium is burnt in air, it reacts with oxygen to form magnesium oxide (MgO), a
white powder. This reaction occurs because magnesium has a strong affinity for oxygen, and it
burns brightly in the presence of air.

2. Magnesium produces a brilliant white light when it is burnt in air because it burns at a very high
temperature. The intense heat excites the magnesium atoms, causing them to emit bright white
light as they combine with oxygen to form magnesium oxide.

3. The oxide formed when copper is heated in air is copper(II) oxide (CuO), which is black in
color. Copper reacts with oxygen in the air to form this black oxide.

4. The oxide formed when aluminum is burnt in air is aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). This oxide forms
a thin protective layer on the aluminum surface, which prevents further oxidation of the metal
underneath, protecting it from further corrosion.

5. When iron reacts with oxygen in the air, it forms iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃). This is the rust that
commonly forms on iron when exposed to air and moisture over time.

6. Metals like gold and platinum do not form oxides when heated in air because they are very
unreactive. These metals are so stable that they do not readily react with oxygen, even at high
temperatures.

7. The chemical formula of the oxide formed when magnesium burns in air is magnesium oxide
(MgO):

2Mg(s)+O2(g)→2MgO(s)
8. Sodium reacts vigorously with water to produce sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrogen
gas (H₂). This reaction is highly exothermic, meaning it releases heat, which may cause the
hydrogen gas to catch fire and produce flames.

9. Potassium is stored under oil because it reacts very vigorously with water. The oil prevents the
potassium from coming into contact with air or moisture, thus preventing dangerous reactions,
including the risk of fire or explosion.
10. When calcium reacts with cold water, it forms calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) and hydrogen
gas (H₂). The reaction is less violent compared to sodium or potassium, and the calcium metal
may float on the surface due to the hydrogen gas produced during the reaction.

11. Magnesium does not react with cold water because its reaction with water is not as vigorous
as sodium or potassium. However, magnesium reacts with hot water to produce magnesium
hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) and hydrogen gas (H₂).

12. Potassium reacts very vigorously with water because it is an alkali metal and is highly
reactive. The products are potassium hydroxide (KOH) and hydrogen gas (H₂). The reaction
produces a lot of heat, enough to ignite the hydrogen gas, creating flames.

13. When zinc reacts with water vapor (steam), it forms zinc oxide (ZnO) and hydrogen gas
(H₂). This reaction occurs at higher temperatures and is slower than the reaction of alkali metals
with water.

14. Iron does not react with cold water because it is less reactive than metals like sodium or
potassium. However, it reacts with steam (hot water) to form iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃) and
hydrogen gas (H₂). This shows that iron reacts more easily with steam than with liquid water.

15. When magnesium reacts with hydrochloric acid, it forms magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) and
hydrogen gas (H₂). The reaction is exothermic, producing heat and releasing hydrogen gas:
Mg(s)+2HCl(aq)→MgCl2(aq)+H2(g)

16. Copper does not react with hydrochloric acid because it is a low-reactivity metal. Copper is
less reactive than hydrogen and cannot displace hydrogen from the acid, so no reaction occurs.

17. When iron reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid, it forms iron chloride (FeCl₂) and hydrogen
gas (H₂). The reaction is typical of metals reacting with acids to release hydrogen gas and form a
salt:

Fe(s)+2HCl(aq)→FeCl2(aq)+H2(g)

18. The reactions of alkali metals with acids are more vigorous compared to transition metals
like iron because alkali metals are more reactive and readily lose their outer electron to form
positive ions. In contrast, transition metals like iron require more energy to react.

19. When zinc reacts with sulfuric acid, it forms zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) and hydrogen gas (H₂):

Zn(s)+H2SO4(aq)→ZnSO4(aq)+H2(g)

20. Aluminum reacts vigorously with hydrochloric acid because it is highly reactive. The aluminum
dissolves in the acid, forming aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) and releasing hydrogen gas (H₂):

2Al(s)+6HCl(aq)→2AlCl3(aq)+3H2(g)
21. When magnesium is placed in a solution of copper sulfate, magnesium displaces copper
from the solution due to its higher reactivity. This forms magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) and
copper metal:
Mg(s)+CuSO4(aq)→MgSO4(aq)+Cu(s)

22. When zinc is placed in copper sulfate solution, zinc displaces copper from the solution
because zinc is more reactive than copper:

Zn(s)+CuSO4(aq)→ZnSO4(aq)+Cu(s)

23. Displacement reactions show the reactivity of metals because a more reactive metal
displaces a less reactive metal from its salt solution. For example, magnesium can displace
copper from copper sulfate, but copper cannot displace magnesium from magnesium
sulfate.

24. When copper is placed in a solution of zinc sulfate, no reaction occurs because copper is
less reactive than zinc. Copper cannot displace zinc from its salt solution.

25. When iron nails are placed in a solution of copper sulfate, iron displaces copper from the
solution, and iron sulfate (FeSO₄) is formed along with the deposition of copper metal:

Fe(s)+CuSO4(aq)→FeSO4(aq)+Cu(s)

26. The displacement of copper by magnesium in copper sulfate indicates that magnesium is
more reactive than copper. The higher reactivity of magnesium allows it to displace copper from
the copper sulfate solution.

27. Potassium is at the top of the reactivity series because it reacts vigorously with water and
oxygen. It is highly reactive and forms compounds easily with non-metals like chlorine and oxygen.

28. The reactivity series allows us to predict the ability of a metal to displace another from its
salt solution. For example, magnesium can displace copper from copper sulfate because
magnesium is higher in the series than copper.

29. Gold remains at the bottom of the reactivity series because it is one of the least reactive
metals. It does not readily react with oxygen, water, or most acids, making it stable and resistant to
corrosion.

30. In a displacement reaction, magnesium can displace copper from copper sulfate because
magnesium is more reactive than copper. The products are magnesium sulfate and copper
metal:

Mg(s)+CuSO4(aq)→MgSO4(aq)+Cu(s)

31. Iron is less reactive than calcium in the reactivity series because calcium reacts very easily
with water and acids, whereas iron reacts more slowly and only with steam or dilute acids.

32. The reactivity series helps explain why gold is less reactive than sodium. Gold does not
react with water or most acids, while sodium reacts vigorously with water and acids to form
hydroxides and hydrogen gas.

Section 3.3: How do Metals and Non-Metals React?

1. (3.3) What type of bond is formed when a metal reacts with a non-metal?
2. (3.3) When sodium reacts with chlorine, what type of compound is formed?
3. (3.3) What happens when a metal reacts with a non-metal in terms of electron transfer?
4. (3.3) What is the charge of the ion formed by a metal when it reacts with a non-metal?
5. (3.3) Why do metals tend to lose electrons when reacting with non-metals?
6. (3.3) How does the electron transfer between metals and non-metals lead to the formation
of ionic compounds?
7. (3.3) What is the general characteristic of the compounds formed when metals react with
non-metals?
8. (3.3) Why does the sodium chloride (NaCl) crystal conduct electricity when molten but
not in its solid state?

Section 3.3.1: Properties of Ionic Compounds

9. (3.3.1) What type of structure do ionic compounds form?

 10. (3.3.1) Why do ionic compounds generally have high melting and boiling points?
11. (3.3.1) What is the electrical conductivity property of ionic compounds in their solid and
molten states?
12. (3.3.1) Why are ionic compounds generally soluble in water but insoluble in organic
solvents?
13. (3.3.1) What happens when an ionic compound like sodium chloride (NaCl) is dissolved in
water?
14. (3.3.1) What property of ionic compounds makes them good conductors of electricity when
molten or dissolved in water?
15. (3.3.1) Why do ionic compounds not conduct electricity in their solid form?
16. (3.3.1) How does the strong electrostatic force between ions affect the properties of ionic
compounds?
17. (3.3.1) What is the nature of the bonding in ionic compounds, and how does it affect their
stability?
18. (3.3.1) What makes ionic compounds hard but brittle?

Detailed answers with explanations

1. When a metal reacts with a non-metal, an ionic bond is typically formed. This happens because
metals tend to lose electrons, while non-metals tend to gain electrons. The resulting oppositely
charged ions are attracted to each other, forming an ionic bond.

2. When sodium reacts with chlorine, sodium chloride (NaCl) is formed. This is an ionic
compound where sodium (Na) donates an electron to chlorine (Cl), forming Na⁺ (sodium ion) and
Cl⁻ (chloride ion). These oppositely charged ions are held together by electrostatic forces.

3. When a metal reacts with a non-metal, the metal loses electrons and the non-metal gains
electrons. The metal becomes a positively charged ion (cation), and the non-metal becomes a
negatively charged ion (anion). This transfer of electrons forms the ionic bond between the two.

4. When a metal reacts with a non-metal, the metal typically forms a positively charged ion
(cation). For example, sodium (Na) loses one electron to become Na⁺, while chlorine (Cl) gains that
electron to become Cl⁻.

5. Metals tend to lose electrons when reacting with non-metals because metals have low
ionization energy. This means it takes less energy for metals to lose their outermost electrons,
which are weakly held by the nucleus.

6. The electron transfer between metals and non-metals leads to the formation of ionic
compounds. The metal loses electrons to become a cation, and the non-metal gains electrons to
become an anion. The opposite charges attract each other, forming a stable ionic bond.

7. The compounds formed when metals react with non-metals are generally ionic compounds.
These compounds consist of a metal cation and a non-metal anion held together by electrostatic
forces.

8. Sodium chloride (NaCl) conducts electricity when molten because the ions are free to move in
the liquid state. In the solid state, the ions are locked in place in a rigid lattice, preventing electrical
conductivity. However, when the solid is melted, the ions can move, allowing the compound to
conduct electricity.

9. Ionic compounds typically form a crystalline lattice structure, where positive and negative
ions are arranged in an orderly, repeating pattern. This structure maximizes the electrostatic
attraction between the oppositely charged ions, making the compound stable.

10. Ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points because of the strong electrostatic
forces of attraction between the positively and negatively charged ions. A large amount of energy
is required to overcome these forces and break the ionic bonds.
11. Ionic compounds conduct electricity when they are molten or dissolved in water because the
ions are free to move. In their solid form, the ions are in fixed positions and cannot move, so they
do not conduct electricity.

12. Ionic compounds are generally soluble in water because water molecules surround and
separate the ions due to their polarity. The positive and negative charges of the water molecules
interact with the ions, causing them to dissociate and dissolve in the water.

13. When sodium chloride (NaCl) is dissolved in water, the Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions separate and
become surrounded by water molecules. This process is called dissociation, and it allows the ions
to move freely in the solution, which is why NaCl conducts electricity in aqueous form.

14. Ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten or dissolved in water because the ions are
free to move. In solid form, the ions are held in place by the strong ionic bonds, preventing
movement and, thus, electrical conductivity.

15. Ionic compounds do not conduct electricity in their solid form because the ions are not free to
move. In the solid state, the ions are fixed in place within a rigid lattice structure, preventing
them from carrying an electric current.

16. The strong electrostatic forces between the oppositely charged ions in ionic compounds give
them high stability. These forces also make ionic compounds hard and brittle. The ions in the
lattice can be displaced, but this often causes the compound to fracture because the electrostatic
attractions are disrupted.

17. The bonding in ionic compounds is electrostatic in nature, where positive and negative ions
are held together by the force of attraction between their opposite charges. This strong bond
provides stability and makes the compound solid and stable at room temperature.

18. Ionic compounds are hard because the ions are tightly held together in a regular pattern.
However, they are also brittle because when force is applied, the layers of ions can shift, causing
like-charged ions to align and repel each other, breaking the structure.

Section 3.3: How do Metals and Non-Metals React?

1. (3.3) What is the result of the reaction between calcium and chlorine?
2. (3.3) How does the reactivity of alkali metals with non-metals compare to that of
transition metals?
3. (3.3) When a metal reacts with a non-metal, what happens to the electrons in the
reaction?
4. (3.3) What type of charge does a non-metal typically acquire when it reacts with a metal?
5. (3.3) Why is the reaction between a metal and a non-metal often called an oxidation-
reduction reaction?
6. (3.3) When magnesium reacts with oxygen, what is formed and what is the color of the
product?
7. (3.3) What is the role of electronegativity in the reaction between metals and non-
metals?
8. (3.3) Why does sodium form an ionic bond with chlorine rather than a covalent bond?

Section 3.3.1: Properties of Ionic Compounds

9. (3.3.1) What type of lattice structure do ionic compounds form?

10. (3.3.1) Why do ionic compounds conduct electricity only when molten or dissolved in
water?
11. (3.3.1) How does the strong electrostatic force between ions affect the melting and boiling
points of ionic compounds?
12. (3.3.1) Why are ionic compounds usually soluble in water but insoluble in organic solvents
like benzene?
 13. (3.3.1) How does the ionic bond between sodium and chloride ions affect the physical
properties of sodium chloride?
14. (3.3.1) Why do ionic compounds tend to be brittle?
15. (3.3.1) How does the presence of water affect the electrical conductivity of ionic
compounds?
16. (3.3.1) Why does sodium chloride (NaCl) dissolve in water but not in hexane (an organic
solvent)?
17. (3.3.1) What property of ionic compounds explains why they can be easily broken when
subjected to stress?
18. (3.3.1) How does the size of the ions in an ionic compound affect its solubility in water?

Detailed answers with explanations

1. When calcium reacts with chlorine, calcium chloride (CaCl₂) is formed. In this reaction,
calcium (a metal) loses two electrons to form Ca²⁺ ions, and chlorine (a non-metal) gains these two
electrons to form two Cl⁻ ions. These oppositely charged ions attract each other, forming an ionic
bond.

2. The reaction between alkali metals (like sodium, potassium) and non-metals is typically more
vigorous compared to the reaction of transition metals with non-metals. This is because alkali
metals have one electron in their outermost shell, which they can easily lose, making them highly
reactive. Transition metals, on the other hand, have more electrons and stronger bonds, making
their reactions with non-metals less intense.

3. When a metal reacts with a non-metal, the metal loses electrons and becomes a positively
charged ion (cation), while the non-metal gains electrons and becomes a negatively charged
ion (anion). This transfer of electrons between the two elements leads to the formation of ionic
bonds.

4. A non-metal typically acquires a negative charge (anion) when it reacts with a metal. This
happens because the non-metal gains electrons from the metal during the reaction.

5. The reaction between a metal and a non-metal is often called an oxidation-reduction

reaction because the metal undergoes oxidation (loses electrons) and the non-metal undergoes
reduction (gains electrons). The metal is oxidized, and the non-metal is reduced in the process.

6. When magnesium reacts with oxygen, it forms magnesium oxide (MgO). The product is a
white solid, and magnesium burns with a bright white light. Magnesium loses two electrons to
form Mg²⁺ ions, and oxygen gains these electrons to form O²⁻ ions. These ions form an ionic bond in
the solid magnesium oxide.

7. Electronegativity plays a key role in the reaction between metals and non-metals. Metals,
which have low electronegativity, tend to lose electrons easily, while non-metals, which have high
electronegativity, tend to gain electrons. This difference in electronegativity drives the transfer of
electrons, forming ionic bonds.

8. Sodium forms an ionic bond with chlorine because sodium (a metal) has one electron in its
outer shell, which it can easily lose, becoming Na⁺. Chlorine (a non-metal) has seven electrons in its
outer shell and needs one more electron to complete its octet. Chlorine gains the electron from
sodium, becoming Cl⁻. The opposite charges of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ attract, forming sodium chloride
(NaCl).

9. Ionic compounds form a crystalline lattice structure, where ions are arranged in an orderly,
repeating pattern. In this structure, each positive ion is surrounded by negative ions and vice versa.
This arrangement maximizes the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions,
providing stability.

10. Ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points because of the strong electrostatic
forces between the oppositely charged ions in the lattice. These forces require a large amount of
energy to overcome, which is why ionic compounds are solid at room temperature and have high
melting and boiling points.

11. Ionic compounds conduct electricity when they are molten or dissolved in water because
the ions are free to move. In their solid form, the ions are fixed in place within the ionic lattice,
preventing them from carrying an electric current. When molten or dissolved, the ions can move
and carry electrical charge.

12. Ionic compounds are generally soluble in water because water molecules are polar. The
positive end of water molecules attracts negative ions, and the negative end attracts positive ions.
This interaction helps break the ionic bonds and dissolve the ionic compound in water. However,
ionic compounds are insoluble in organic solvents like benzene, which are non-polar and cannot
interact with the ions.

13. The ionic bond between sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻) ions in sodium chloride (NaCl)
creates a strong electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged ions. This bond makes
sodium chloride a stable ionic compound. The strong ionic bond is responsible for the compound's
high melting point and electrical conductivity when dissolved or molten.

14. Ionic compounds are brittle because when a force is applied, the layers of ions in the crystal
can shift. If the ions are aligned in such a way that similar charges are next to each other, they will
repel, causing the structure to break. This property makes ionic compounds hard but prone to
fracture under stress.

15. Ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten or dissolved in water because the ions are
free to move. In their solid form, the ions are locked in place within the crystal lattice and cannot
move to carry an electric charge. However, when ionic compounds are in the liquid state or
dissolved in water, the ions are free to move and conduct electricity.

16. The strong electrostatic forces between the positively and negatively charged ions make
ionic compounds very stable. These forces also make ionic compounds hard and rigid. The ions
are held tightly together, which prevents them from being easily displaced, giving the compound a
solid, stable structure.

17. The bonding in ionic compounds is electrostatic in nature. Positive and negative ions are
attracted to each other due to the opposite charges, forming a stable ionic bond. This strong
attraction between ions gives ionic compounds their high melting and boiling points, and their
ability to conduct electricity when molten or dissolved.

18. Ionic compounds are hard because the ions are tightly packed in a regular lattice. However,
they are also brittle because when enough force is applied, the ions can shift and like-charged ions
can align next to each other, causing the crystal to fracture. The brittleness comes from the
inability of the ions to slide past each other without disrupting the structure.

Section 3.3: How do Metals and Non-Metals React?

1. (3.3) When a metal reacts with a non-metal, why does the metal lose electrons, and what
effect does this have on the metal atom?
2. (3.3) How does the reaction between a metal and a non-metal lead to the formation of an
ionic compound?
3. (3.3) What would happen if a metal like magnesium were to react with oxygen and a non-
metal like chlorine at the same time? Which product would be formed?
4. (3.3) Why do alkali metals react more vigorously with non-metals compared to transition
metals?
5. (3.3) In an ionic bond, why do non-metals tend to gain electrons while metals lose
electrons?
6. (3.3) When sodium reacts with chlorine, how does the electron transfer process occur to
form sodium chloride (NaCl)?
 7. (3.3) What is the role of electronegativity in the formation of ionic bonds between metals
and non-metals?
8. (3.3) Why is the ionic bond between sodium and chlorine considered strong?

Section 3.3.1: Properties of Ionic Compounds

9. (3.3.1) Why do ionic compounds like NaCl generally have high melting and boiling points?
10. (3.3.1) How does the structure of ionic compounds contribute to their hardness and
brittleness?
11. (3.3.1) Explain why ionic compounds are able to conduct electricity when dissolved in water
but not when in solid form.
12. (3.3.1) Why are ionic compounds typically soluble in water but insoluble in organic solvents
like benzene?
13. (3.3.1) What happens to the ionic compound NaCl when it is dissolved in water, and why
does this make it a good conductor of electricity in solution?
14. (3.3.1) How does the electrostatic attraction between ions in an ionic compound affect its
electrical conductivity when molten?
15. (3.3.1) What physical property of ionic compounds explains why they are often brittle and
prone to breaking under stress?
16. (3.3.1) Why do ionic compounds like magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) dissolve easily in
water but remain insoluble in non-polar solvents?
17. (3.3.1) What role does the size of the ions play in determining the solubility of an ionic
compound in water?
18. (3.3.1) Why are ionic compounds hard but brittle? Explain this property in terms of their
crystal lattice structure.

Detailed answers with explanations

1. When a metal reacts with a non-metal, the metal loses electrons. Metals have fewer electrons
in their outermost shell and tend to lose these electrons easily. As a result, the metal becomes a
positively charged ion (cation). This electron loss is a key part of the reaction that forms ionic
bonds, where the metal cation and non-metal anion are held together by electrostatic attraction.

2. The reaction between a metal and a non-metal leads to the formation of an ionic compound
because of the transfer of electrons. The metal loses electrons to become a cation, and the non-
metal gains electrons to become an anion. These oppositely charged ions attract each other and
form an ionic bond, creating a stable ionic compound.

3. If magnesium were to react with oxygen and chlorine at the same time, magnesium
chloride (MgCl₂) and magnesium oxide (MgO) would be formed. Magnesium would lose
electrons to form Mg²⁺ ions. Oxygen would gain electrons to form O²⁻, and chlorine would gain
electrons to form Cl⁻. This electron transfer results in the formation of both magnesium oxide and
magnesium chloride.

4. Alkali metals react more vigorously with non-metals than transition metals because alkali
metals have one electron in their outermost shell, which is easy to lose. This makes alkali metals
highly reactive. In contrast, transition metals have more electrons and a more stable electron
configuration, so they do not lose electrons as easily and thus react less vigorously.

5. Non-metals tend to gain electrons because they have high electronegativity, meaning they
strongly attract electrons. Metals, on the other hand, tend to lose electrons because they have
low electronegativity and their outer electrons are weakly attracted to the nucleus. This
difference in electron affinity is the basis for the formation of ionic bonds.

6. When sodium reacts with chlorine, sodium loses one electron to form a Na⁺ ion, and
chlorine gains that electron to form a Cl⁻ ion. The oppositely charged ions (Na⁺ and Cl⁻) attract
each other, forming sodium chloride (NaCl), an ionic compound. This electron transfer results in
a stable arrangement for both ions.
7. Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract electrons in a bond. In ionic bonds, the
difference in electronegativity between metals and non-metals is large. Metals, which have low
electronegativity, lose electrons easily. Non-metals, which have high electronegativity, gain these
electrons. The greater the difference in electronegativity, the stronger the ionic bond formed.

8. The ionic bond between sodium and chlorine is strong because the Na⁺ ion and the Cl⁻ ion
are oppositely charged, and the electrostatic attraction between them holds them tightly
together. The transfer of an electron from sodium to chlorine leads to the formation of a stable ionic
compound with a high melting point and strong bonding.

9. Ionic compounds form a crystalline lattice structure, where positive and negative ions are
arranged in a repeating pattern. Each positive ion is surrounded by negative ions, and each
negative ion is surrounded by positive ions. This structure maximizes the electrostatic attraction
between oppositely charged ions, making the compound stable and solid at room temperature.

10. Ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points because of the strong electrostatic
forces of attraction between the positively and negatively charged ions. A large amount of energy
is required to break these strong ionic bonds, which results in high melting and boiling points.

11. Ionic compounds conduct electricity when they are molten or dissolved in water because
the ions are free to move. In the solid state, the ions are locked in place within the crystal lattice
and cannot move, so the compound does not conduct electricity. However, when molten or
dissolved, the ions can move, allowing them to carry an electric current.

12. Ionic compounds are generally soluble in water because water is a polar solvent. The
positive and negative ends of water molecules interact with the oppositely charged ions in the ionic
compound, helping to separate and dissolve the ions. However, ionic compounds are insoluble in
non-polar solvents, such as benzene, because non-polar solvents cannot interact with the ions
effectively.

13. When NaCl (sodium chloride) dissolves in water, the Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions separate, and water
molecules surround and stabilize them. This process is called dissociation, and it allows the ions to
move freely in the solution, which enables the solution to conduct electricity.

14. The electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged ions in an ionic compound is
strong, which is why ionic compounds can conduct electricity when molten. In the molten state, the
ions are free to move, allowing them to carry an electric current. The strength of the ionic bonds
determines how much energy is required to melt the compound.

15. Ionic compounds are brittle because the ions are arranged in a rigid lattice structure. When
force is applied, the ions may shift, causing like-charged ions to align next to each other. This
creates a repulsive force between the ions, causing the crystal to break or fracture.

16. The electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged ions in ionic compounds makes
them hard and stable. However, this attraction also makes ionic compounds brittle because any
disturbance to the lattice structure can cause the ions to repel each other, leading to the compound
breaking.

17. The bonding in ionic compounds is electrostatic in nature. The positive and negative ions are
attracted to each other by opposite charges, forming a stable ionic bond. This strong bond
contributes to the high melting and boiling points of ionic compounds and their ability to conduct
electricity in molten or aqueous states.

18. Ionic compounds are hard because the ions are held together tightly in a crystal lattice by
strong electrostatic forces. However, they are brittle because when stress is applied, the ions can
shift and cause similar charges to come into alignment, leading to the crystal breaking. This is due
to the rigid structure of the ions in the lattice.

Section 3.4.1: Extraction of Metals

 1. (3.4.1) What is the general process of extracting metals from their ores?
2. (3.4.1) Why is it necessary to extract metals from ores?
3. (3.4.1) What is the role of reduction in the extraction of metals from their ores?

Section 3.4.2: Enrichment of Ores

4. (3.4.2) What is meant by the enrichment of ores?

5. (3.4.2) How does frost help in the enrichment of ores?
6. (3.4.2) What is magnetic separation, and how is it used to enrich ores?

Section 3.4.3: Extracting Metals Low in the Activity Series

7. (3.4.3) How are metals that are low in the activity series, like gold and platinum,
extracted from their ores?
8. (3.4.3) What is the method of extraction used for gold from its ores?
9. (3.4.3) Why are metals like gold and platinum extracted using methods such as gravity
separation and leaching?

Section 3.4.4: Extracting Metals in the Middle of the Activity Series

10. (3.4.4) What method is used to extract metals like zinc and iron, which are in the middle of
the activity series?
11. (3.4.4) How is zinc extracted from its ore zinc blende (ZnS)? Write the chemical reaction.
12. (3.4.4) Explain the process of extracting iron from haematite (Fe₂O₃). Write the chemical
reaction involved.

Section 3.4.5: Extracting Metals towards the Top of the Activity Series

13. (3.4.5) What methods are used to extract metals like aluminum and sodium, which are
highly reactive and at the top of the activity series?
14. (3.4.5) How is aluminum extracted from its ore bauxite using the Hall-Héroult process?
Write the chemical reaction.
15. (3.4.5) What is the role of electrolysis in the extraction of metals from their ores?

Section 3.4.6: Refining of Metals

16. (3.4.6) What is the purpose of refining metals?

17. (3.4.6) How is copper refined using the electrolytic method? Write the chemical
reactions involved.
18. (3.4.6) What is the zone refining method used for refining semiconductor metals like
silicon?

Detailed answers with explanations

1. The general process of extracting metals from their ores involves several steps:

 Crushing and grinding the ore to make it easier to process.

 Enrichment or concentration of the ore to remove impurities.
 Reduction of the metal oxide to the pure metal, usually by using a chemical reaction or a
physical process like electrolysis.
 Finally, refining is done to purify the metal if necessary.

2. It is necessary to extract metals from ores because most metals are found in nature as
compounds (like oxides, sulfides, or carbonates). These compounds must be reduced to the pure
metal form to be useful for industrial applications, such as manufacturing, construction, or
electronics.
3. In the extraction of metals, reduction refers to the process where a metal compound (usually an
oxide) is chemically reduced to form the pure metal. This typically involves removing oxygen from
the compound. For example, in the extraction of iron from its ore (haematite), the oxygen is
removed from iron oxide.
4. Enrichment of ores is the process of increasing the concentration of the desired metal in an ore
by removing impurities. This can be done by physical methods like magnetic separation, froth
flotation, or gravity separation depending on the nature of the ore.
5. Froth flotation helps in the enrichment of ores, especially in the case of sulphide ores. In this
process, the ore is crushed and mixed with water and chemicals that cause the desired minerals to
float, while the impurities sink. The minerals are then separated from the froth and purified.
6. Magnetic separation is used when the ore contains magnetic and non-magnetic substances.
The ore is passed through a magnetic field that attracts the magnetic particles (usually iron),
leaving the non-magnetic substances behind. This method is used for ores like magnetite (Fe₃O₄).
7. Metals that are low in the activity series (like gold and platinum) are usually extracted by
physical methods rather than chemical ones because they are very unreactive. These metals can
be found in their native state, so methods like gravity separation, panning, or leaching are
used to separate them from the ore.
8. Gold is extracted from its ores using methods like gravity separation (where the gold particles
are separated due to their high density) or cyanide leaching (where gold is dissolved in a cyanide
solution and then recovered). The cyanide method involves the following reaction:
4Au+8NaCN+O₂+2H₂O→4Na[Au(CN)₂]+4NaOH
9. Gold and platinum are extracted using methods like gravity separation and leaching
because these metals are chemically stable and do not easily form compounds with other
elements. Since they are often found in the native state, they can be separated from the ore using
physical processes.
10. Metals like zinc and iron, which are in the middle of the activity series, are extracted using
chemical methods like reduction. For example, zinc is extracted from its ore zinc blende (ZnS)
by heating it in the presence of oxygen to form zinc oxide (ZnO), and then reducing zinc oxide with
carbon:
ZnS+3O₂→2ZnO+2SO₂
ZnO+C→Zn+CO
11. Zinc is extracted from its ore zinc blende (ZnS) by roasting it in the presence of oxygen to
produce zinc oxide (ZnO), followed by reduction using carbon. The reaction is as follows:
ZnS+3O₂→2ZnO+2SO₂

Then, zinc oxide is reduced with carbon at high temperatures:

ZnO+C→Zn+CO
12. Iron is extracted from haematite (Fe₂O₃) by a process called smelting in a blast furnace. The
reaction involves the reduction of iron oxide using carbon monoxide:
Fe₂O₃+3C→2Fe+3CO

The carbon reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, and the iron oxide is reduced to pure
iron.

13. Metals like aluminum and sodium, which are highly reactive and found at the top of the
activity series, are extracted using electrolysis. For example, aluminum is extracted from its ore
bauxite (Al₂O₃) using the Hall-Héroult process, where aluminum oxide is dissolved in molten
cryolite and electrolyzed to produce aluminum metal at the cathode:
Al₂O₃→2Al+3O₂
14. Aluminum is extracted from its ore bauxite using the Hall-Héroult process, which involves
dissolving aluminum oxide in molten cryolite (Na₃AlF₆) and passing an electric current through it.
The chemical reaction is:
2Al₂O₃→4Al+3O₂

The aluminum ions are reduced at the cathode, while oxygen is released at the anode.

15. Electrolysis is used to extract metals from their ores, especially for metals that are highly
reactive. During electrolysis, the metal ions in the ore are reduced at the cathode, and oxygen or
another non-metal is oxidized at the anode. This method is used to extract metals like aluminum,
sodium, and potassium.
16. Refining metals is the process of purifying them after they are extracted. The goal is to
remove any remaining impurities to obtain the metal in its purest form. Refining methods include
electrolytic refining, distillation, and zone refining.
17. Copper is refined using electrolytic refining. In this process, impure copper is used as the
anode, and a pure copper cathode is used. When electricity is passed through the electrolyte
(usually a copper sulfate solution), copper ions move from the anode to the cathode, leaving
impurities behind at the anode. The reactions are:

 At the anode: Cu→Cu2++2e−

 At the cathode: Cu2++2e−→Cu

18. Zone refining is a method used to purify semiconductor metals like silicon. In this process,
a thin zone of the metal is heated and passed through a heating coil. As the metal is melted and
recrystallized, impurities are left behind, allowing for high purity levels in the metal.
Section 3.4.1: Extraction of Metals

1. (3.4.1) What is the first step in the process of extracting metals from their ores?
2. (3.4.1) Why do we need to reduce metal oxides during the extraction of metals?
3. (3.4.1) Which method is commonly used for extracting gold from its ore, and why is it
suitable for gold?

Section 3.4.2: Enrichment of Ores

4. (3.4.2) What is the purpose of enriching an ore before extracting the metal?
5. (3.4.2) How does froth flotation work to separate useful minerals from waste?
6. (3.4.2) What is the role of magnetic separation in the enrichment of ores?

Section 3.4.3: Extracting Metals Low in the Activity Series

7. (3.4.3) How is platinum extracted from its ores, and why is it a special case in the
extraction of metals?
8. (3.4.3) Which physical methods are used to extract gold, and what makes them effective?
9. (3.4.3) Why do metals like gold and platinum not require reduction processes in
extraction?

Section 3.4.4: Extracting Metals in the Middle of the Activity Series

10. (3.4.4) What method is used to extract zinc from its ore zinc blende (ZnS)?
11. (3.4.4) How is iron extracted from haematite (Fe₂O₃) using a blast furnace? Write the
chemical reaction.
12. (3.4.4) Why is zinc extracted by roasting the ore followed by reduction?

Section 3.4.5: Extracting Metals towards the Top of the Activity Series

13. (3.4.5) Which method is used to extract highly reactive metals like sodium and
potassium?
14. (3.4.5) How is aluminum extracted from bauxite using the Hall-Héroult process? Write
the chemical reaction.
15. (3.4.5) Why is electrolysis used for extracting metals like sodium and aluminum?

Section 3.4.6: Refining of Metals

16. (3.4.6) What is the purpose of refining metals after extraction?

 17. (3.4.6) How is copper refined using electrolysis? Write the chemical reactions.
18. (3.4.6) What is zone refining, and why is it used to refine silicon?

Detailed answers with explanations

1. The first step in the process of extracting metals from their ores is crushing and grinding the
ore. This helps break down the ore into smaller pieces, making it easier to separate the metal from
impurities during subsequent processes like enrichment and reduction.
2. We need to reduce metal oxides during the extraction of metals because most metals in
nature are found as metal oxides (e.g., iron oxide, copper oxide). Reduction removes the oxygen
from these metal oxides to obtain the pure metal. This is usually achieved by using a reducing
agent, such as carbon, to replace the oxygen.
3. Gold is extracted from its ore using gravity separation or cyanide leaching. Gravity
separation takes advantage of gold's high density to separate it from lighter materials. Cyanide
leaching involves dissolving gold in a cyanide solution, which is then separated from the ore. The
cyanide method is effective because gold is chemically inert and doesn’t easily react with other
substances.
4. Enriching an ore is necessary to increase the concentration of the metal in the ore by removing
impurities. This makes the extraction process more efficient and cost-effective. Enrichment
increases the quality of the ore, making the subsequent chemical processes like reduction or
electrolysis more effective.
5. Froth flotation is a process used to separate minerals based on their hydrophobic (water-
repelling) properties. The ore is mixed with water and chemicals that cause the desired minerals to
attach to air bubbles. These bubbles rise to the surface, carrying the minerals with them, while the
waste material sinks to the bottom.
6. Magnetic separation is used when the ore contains magnetic materials. The ore is passed
through a magnetic field, which attracts the magnetic particles (usually iron), leaving behind non-
magnetic materials. This method is commonly used to separate ores like magnetite (Fe₃O₄) from
other impurities.
7. Platinum is extracted from its ores using methods like gravity separation, froth flotation,
and chemical leaching. Platinum is usually found in small amounts mixed with other metals, so
these methods help separate it from the surrounding materials. Platinum does not require reduction
processes like other metals because it occurs in its native state and is already in a pure form.
8. Gold is extracted from its ores using methods like gravity separation (due to its high density)
and cyanide leaching. In gravity separation, gold particles are separated by their density from the
other materials. In cyanide leaching, gold is dissolved in cyanide solution and then extracted by
chemical processes.
9. Gold and platinum do not require reduction processes because they are found in their native
form in nature. These metals are chemically stable and do not easily form compounds. They can be
directly separated from the ore using physical methods like gravity separation or chemical
methods like cyanide leaching.
10. Metals like zinc and iron, which are in the middle of the activity series, are extracted using
chemical reduction methods. Zinc is extracted from its ore zinc blende (ZnS) by roasting it in
the presence of oxygen to form zinc oxide (ZnO), followed by reduction with carbon:
ZnS+3O₂→2ZnO+2SO₂
ZnO+C→Zn+CO
11. Zinc is extracted from zinc blende (ZnS) by roasting the ore in oxygen to produce zinc
oxide. The zinc oxide is then reduced with carbon at high temperatures to produce zinc and
carbon monoxide as the by-products:
ZnS+3O₂→2ZnO+2SO₂
ZnO+C→Zn+CO
12. Iron is extracted from haematite (Fe₂O₃) in a blast furnace. The iron ore is mixed with coke
(carbon) and limestone and heated at high temperatures. The carbon in coke reduces iron oxide to
iron, while the limestone removes impurities. The reaction is:
Fe₂O₃+3C→2Fe+3CO

The carbon monoxide produced reacts with iron oxide to reduce it to iron.

13. Metals like aluminum and sodium, which are highly reactive, are extracted using
electrolysis. Aluminum is extracted from bauxite using the Hall-Héroult process, where
aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) is dissolved in molten cryolite (Na₃AlF₆) and electrolyzed to produce
aluminum metal at the cathode:
Al₂O₃→2Al+3O₂

At the cathode, Al³⁺ ions are reduced to form aluminum metal.

14. Aluminum is extracted from bauxite using the Hall-Héroult process. In this process,
aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) is dissolved in molten cryolite (Na₃AlF₆) to reduce the high melting point of
aluminum oxide. Electrolysis is then used to separate aluminum from oxygen. The chemical
reaction is:
2Al₂O₃→4Al+3O₂
15. Electrolysis is used for extracting metals like sodium and aluminum because these metals
are very reactive and cannot be extracted by simple reduction methods. In electrolysis, an electric
current is passed through a molten or aqueous solution of the metal compound, causing the metal
ions to migrate to the cathode, where they are reduced to form pure metal.
16. The purpose of refining metals is to remove impurities from the extracted metal to obtain
the pure metal. Refining methods like electrolytic refining or zone refining help to improve the
quality and purity of the metal, making it suitable for industrial use.
17. Copper is refined using electrolytic refining. In this process, impure copper is used as the
anode, and a pure copper cathode is used. When electricity is passed through a copper sulfate
solution, copper ions from the anode move to the cathode, where they are deposited as pure
copper. The reactions are:

 At the anode: Cu→Cu2++2e−

 At the cathode: Cu2++2e−→Cu

18. Zone refining is a process used to purify metals like silicon and germanium. A small region
of the metal is melted and then passed through a heating coil. As the molten region moves,
impurities are left behind, and pure metal crystals are formed, allowing for very high-purity metals
to be obtained.
Section 3.4.1: Extraction of Metals

1. (3.4.1) Why is it necessary to perform the reduction of metal ores during the extraction
process? Provide an example of a metal that undergoes reduction to form a pure metal.
2. (3.4.1) How does the carbon reduction method help in extracting metals, and which
metals are extracted this way?

Section 3.4.2: Enrichment of Ores

3. (3.4.2) What is enrichment of ores, and why is it important before extracting metals?
4. (3.4.2) In froth flotation, why are air bubbles used to separate the valuable minerals from
the waste materials?
5. (3.4.2) How does magnetic separation help in enriching ores? Give an example of an ore
that is separated this way.

Section 3.4.3: Extracting Metals Low in the Activity Series

6. (3.4.3) How are metals like gold and platinum, which are low in the activity series,
extracted from their ores? Mention any specific method used.
7. (3.4.3) Why don’t metals like gold and platinum require reduction processes for
extraction?

Section 3.4.4: Extracting Metals in the Middle of the Activity Series

8. (3.4.4) What is the roasting process used in the extraction of zinc from its ore zinc
blende (ZnS)? Write the chemical reaction involved.
9. (3.4.4) Explain the smelting process used to extract iron from haematite (Fe₂O₃). Write
the chemical reaction involved.
 10. (3.4.4) How does zinc get reduced from zinc oxide (ZnO) using carbon? Write the
chemical reaction.

Section 3.4.5: Extracting Metals towards the Top of the Activity Series

11. (3.4.5) Why are metals like aluminum and sodium extracted by electrolysis? How does
electrolysis work in these cases?
12. (3.4.5) Write the chemical reaction for the electrolysis of bauxite to extract aluminum
using the Hall-Héroult process.
13. (3.4.5) Why does electrolysis help in the extraction of highly reactive metals like sodium?

Section 3.4.6: Refining of Metals

14. (3.4.6) What is the purpose of refining metals after they are extracted?
15. (3.4.6) How is copper refined using the electrolytic method? Write the chemical
reactions involved.
16. (3.4.6) Explain the process of zone refining. Which metals are typically refined using this
process?

1. It is necessary to perform reduction of metal ores during extraction because most metals in
nature are found in the form of metal oxides, which need to be reduced to the pure metal.
Reduction involves removing oxygen from the metal oxide. For example, iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) is
reduced to form pure iron (Fe) in the blast furnace:
Fe₂O₃+3C→2Fe+3CO
2. The carbon reduction method is used to extract metals that are not very reactive. In this
method, carbon (usually in the form of coke) is used to reduce metal oxides. For example, zinc
oxide (ZnO) is reduced using carbon to produce zinc metal:
ZnO+C→Zn+CO

This method is suitable for metals like zinc and iron, which are found in the middle of the reactivity
series.

3. Enrichment of ores refers to the process of increasing the concentration of valuable minerals
in the ore. It is important because it makes the extraction process more efficient by reducing the
amount of waste material, or gangue, in the ore. Enrichment is often done by physical methods like
froth flotation, magnetic separation, and gravity separation.
4. In froth flotation, air bubbles are used to separate valuable minerals from the waste materials.
The ore is mixed with water and chemicals that make the desired minerals hydrophobic (water-
repellent). These hydrophobic particles stick to the bubbles, which float to the surface, while the
unwanted materials sink. The minerals in the froth are then collected.
5. Magnetic separation is used when one of the components of the ore is magnetic. A magnetic
field is applied to the mixture, attracting the magnetic particles (such as magnetite (Fe₃O₄)),
while the non-magnetic materials are left behind. This method is commonly used for separating
ores like magnetite from the waste rock.
6. Metals like gold and platinum, which are low in the activity series, are extracted from their ores
using physical methods like gravity separation or cyanide leaching. These metals are
chemically inert and often found in their native state (not combined with other elements), so they
don’t require chemical reduction. Gravity separation takes advantage of their high density, and
cyanide leaching dissolves gold in a cyanide solution:
4Au+8NaCN+O₂+2H₂O→4Na[Au(CN)₂]+4NaOH
7. Gold and platinum do not require reduction processes for extraction because they are found
in their native state (as uncombined metals). They do not form compounds easily with other
elements. Therefore, they are separated from the ore using physical methods like gravity
separation or chemical leaching, which dissolve the metal without the need for reduction.
8. Gold is extracted from its ores using methods like gravity separation, where the gold particles
are separated from the other lighter materials due to their high density. Another method is
cyanide leaching, where gold is dissolved in a cyanide solution, and the gold is later recovered by
precipitation.
9. Gold and platinum do not require reduction because they naturally occur in their pure forms.
These metals are chemically stable and resistant to corrosion, so they can be extracted from ores
without going through the complex reduction process that other metals, like iron or zinc, require.
10. Metals like zinc and iron, which are in the middle of the activity series, are extracted by
chemical reduction methods. Zinc is extracted from its ore zinc blende (ZnS) by roasting it in
oxygen to form zinc oxide (ZnO) and then reducing it with carbon:
ZnS+3O₂→2ZnO+2SO₂
ZnO+C→Zn+CO
11. Zinc is extracted from zinc blende (ZnS) by roasting the ore in oxygen to produce zinc
oxide (ZnO). The zinc oxide is then reduced using carbon at high temperatures to produce zinc
metal and carbon monoxide:
ZnS+3O₂→2ZnO+2SO₂
ZnO+C→Zn+CO
12. Iron is extracted from haematite (Fe₂O₃) using a blast furnace. In the furnace, iron ore is
mixed with coke (carbon) and limestone, and heated at high temperatures. The carbon
monoxide produced reduces the iron oxide to iron. The overall reaction is:
Fe₂O₃+3C→2Fe+3CO
13. Metals like aluminum and sodium, which are highly reactive, are extracted using
electrolysis. Aluminum is extracted from bauxite using the Hall-Héroult process, where
aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) is dissolved in molten cryolite and electrolyzed. The aluminum ions are
reduced at the cathode, forming aluminum metal:
Al₂O₃→2Al+3O₂
14. Aluminum is extracted from bauxite using the Hall-Héroult process. In this process,
aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) is dissolved in molten cryolite (Na₃AlF₆) to reduce the high melting
point of aluminum oxide. Electrolysis is then used to separate aluminum from oxygen. The overall
reaction is:
2Al₂O₃→4Al+3O₂
15. Electrolysis is used to extract metals like sodium and aluminum because these metals are
highly reactive and cannot be extracted by simpler methods. In electrolysis, an electric current is
passed through a molten or aqueous solution of the metal ore, causing the metal ions to migrate to
the cathode, where they are reduced to form the pure metal.
16. The purpose of refining metals is to remove impurities from the metal obtained after
extraction. Refining ensures that the metal is of high purity, which is necessary for industrial and
commercial applications. Common refining methods include electrolytic refining, zone refining,
and distillation.
17. Copper is refined using electrolytic refining. In this process, impure copper is used as the
anode, and a pure copper cathode is placed in a copper sulfate solution. When an electric current is
passed through the solution, copper ions from the anode are transferred to the cathode, where they
are deposited as pure copper. The reactions are:

 At the anode: Cu→Cu2++2e−

 At the cathode: Cu2++2e−→Cu

18. Zone refining is a process used to purify semiconductor metals like silicon. A small region
of the metal is melted and passed through a heating coil. As the molten zone moves, impurities are
left behind in the liquid phase, and the purified metal crystallizes. This process is used to obtain
high-purity materials needed for electronics.
Section 3.5: Corrosion

1. (3.5) What is corrosion, and why is it considered harmful to metals?

2. (3.5) Which metal is most commonly affected by rusting, and what is the chemical
composition of rust?
3. (3.5) What are the main factors that cause corrosion to occur in metals?
4. (3.5) How does moisture contribute to the process of corrosion in metals?
5. (3.5) Explain why iron is more likely to corrode compared to gold.
6. (3.5) What happens to iron when it rusts, and what is the role of oxygen in this process?
7. (3.5) Can corrosion occur in metals other than iron? Provide an example.
Section 3.5.1: Prevention of Corrosion

8. (3.5.1) What are the common methods used to prevent corrosion of metals?
9. (3.5.1) How does galvanization help in preventing the corrosion of iron?
10. (3.5.1) Why is painting used as a method for preventing corrosion in metals like iron?
11. (3.5.1) What is the role of cathodic protection in preventing the corrosion of metals, and
how does it work?
12. (3.5.1) How does coating with a layer of oil prevent corrosion of steel?
13. (3.5.1) What is the function of chromium plating on metals like steel in terms of
preventing corrosion?
14. (3.5.1) Why is sacrificial protection considered an effective method for preventing the
corrosion of metal pipelines?

1. Corrosion is the gradual deterioration or decay of metals due to chemical reactions with
environmental elements, primarily oxygen and moisture. It is harmful because it weakens the
metal, causing it to lose its strength, appearance, and functionality. For example, the rusting of
iron leads to the formation of iron oxide, which can cause structural damage.
2. Iron is most commonly affected by rusting, which is a form of corrosion. Rust is a mixture of
iron oxides (mainly Fe₂O₃·xH₂O, iron(III) oxide-hydroxide). Rusting occurs when iron reacts with
water and oxygen in the air, forming reddish-brown flakes on the surface.
3. The main factors that cause corrosion are:

 Moisture or water, which accelerates the reaction of metals with oxygen.

 Oxygen in the air, which combines with metal to form oxides.
 Acidity or salts, which increase the conductivity of water and speed up the process of
corrosion.
 Environmental pollutants, such as sulfur compounds, which can also contribute to
corrosion.

4. Moisture contributes to corrosion by allowing water to act as an electrolyte. In the presence of

water, metals like iron undergo oxidation, where metal atoms lose electrons and form metal ions.
The electrochemical reaction that occurs leads to the formation of rust. Water also facilitates the
movement of ions, which accelerates the corrosion process.
5. Iron corrodes more easily than gold because iron is more reactive and tends to lose electrons
(oxidation) in the presence of water and oxygen. Gold, on the other hand, is a very stable metal
that does not react easily with oxygen or moisture, which is why it does not rust or corrode.
6. When iron rusts, it reacts with oxygen and water in the air. The process can be represented as:
4Fe+3O₂+6H₂O→4Fe(OH)3

Iron (Fe) reacts with oxygen (O₂) and water (H₂O) to form iron hydroxide (Fe(OH)₃), which
then dehydrates to form iron oxide (rust). This process weakens the metal and damages its
surface.

7. Yes, corrosion can occur in metals other than iron. For example, aluminum corrodes when
exposed to oxygen, forming aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), a thin protective layer that prevents further
corrosion. Similarly, metals like copper can develop a greenish layer of copper carbonate due to
exposure to moisture and air.
8. Common methods used to prevent corrosion of metals include:

 Coating with paint or oil to create a barrier between the metal and the environment.
 Galvanization, where a metal like zinc is coated on iron to protect it from rusting.
 Electroplating, where a thin layer of a less reactive metal, like gold or silver, is applied to
prevent exposure.
 Cathodic protection, where the metal is connected to a more reactive metal to prevent
corrosion.

9. Galvanization helps in preventing corrosion of iron by coating it with a layer of zinc. Zinc is
more reactive than iron, so it corrodes in place of the iron, thus protecting the iron beneath. Zinc
acts as a sacrificial anode, offering a protective layer and preventing rusting of the iron.
10. Painting is used to prevent corrosion in metals like iron by creating a protective coating
that prevents water and oxygen from coming into direct contact with the metal surface. The paint
acts as a physical barrier, stopping the rusting process and prolonging the life of the metal.
11. Cathodic protection involves attaching a more reactive metal (such as zinc or
magnesium) to the metal that needs to be protected (e.g., iron or steel). The more reactive
metal will corrode instead of the protected metal because it acts as a sacrificial anode, thus
preventing the less reactive metal from rusting.
12. Coating with oil prevents steel from corroding by creating a waterproof barrier on the
surface of the metal. The oil keeps out moisture and air, both of which are necessary for the
corrosion process. This is commonly used in machinery and tools to prevent rusting.
13. Chromium plating on metals like steel helps prevent corrosion by forming a thin, protective
layer of chromium oxide on the surface. This layer acts as a barrier to oxygen and water,
preventing the metal from rusting. It also improves the appearance and provides additional
resistance to corrosion.
14. Sacrificial protection is a method where a more reactive metal (such as zinc) is attached
to a metal structure (like steel pipelines) to prevent corrosion. The more reactive metal corrodes
instead of the structure it is protecting, ensuring that the less reactive metal remains intact. This is
commonly used in underground pipelines and ship hulls.
Section 3.5: Corrosion
1. (3.5) What is corrosion, and how does it affect the appearance and strength of metals?
2. (3.5) Why is rusting of iron considered a type of corrosion? What are the chemical components
of rust?
3. (3.5) How do oxygen and water contribute to the process of rusting in iron?
4. (3.5) What factors can accelerate the process of corrosion in metals?
5. (3.5) What happens to the electrons during the corrosion of iron, and how does it lead to rust
formation?
6. (3.5) Why is gold not affected by corrosion, unlike iron?
7. (3.5) What role does moisture play in the corrosion process, especially in the rusting of
iron?
Section 3.5.1: Prevention of Corrosion

8. (3.5.1) What are some of the methods used to prevent corrosion of metals?
9. (3.5.1) How does galvanization protect iron from rusting? Explain the process.
10. (3.5.1) Why is painting considered an effective method for preventing the corrosion of
metals like iron and steel?
11. (3.5.1) How does cathodic protection prevent the corrosion of metal pipelines or ships?
12. (3.5.1) What is the importance of sacrificial protection, and how does it work to prevent
the corrosion of metal structures?
13. (3.5.1) How does chromium plating on steel help in preventing corrosion?
14. (3.5.1) Explain how coating metals with oil can prevent them from rusting.
15. (3.5.1) What is the principle behind the use of alloys like stainless steel to resist
corrosion?

Detailed answers with explanations

1. Corrosion is the process by which metals deteriorate or are gradually destroyed by chemical
reactions with their environment. This process weakens the metal, causing it to lose its strength,
appearance, and functionality. Rusting of iron is a common example of corrosion, which results in
a reddish-brown flaky material (iron oxide) on the surface.
2. Rusting is considered a type of corrosion of iron because it is a chemical reaction between
iron, oxygen, and water. Rust is made up of iron oxide (Fe₂O₃·xH₂O), a hydrated form of iron
oxide. This process leads to the gradual breakdown of the iron surface, reducing its strength and
making it brittle.
3. Oxygen and water contribute to the process of rusting in iron by reacting with the iron
surface. Oxygen from the air reacts with iron to form iron oxide, and water (moisture) helps the
ions move, which accelerates the reaction. The reaction is as follows:
4Fe+3O₂+6H₂O→4Fe(OH)3
This forms iron hydroxide, which dehydrates to become rust.

4. Factors that accelerate corrosion include:

 Moisture: Water acts as an electrolyte and speeds up the corrosion process.

 Salt: Salt, especially in coastal areas, increases the rate of corrosion because it makes
water more conductive, allowing ions to move more freely.
 Acidity: Acidic environments can increase corrosion by providing more free hydrogen ions,
which can accelerate metal oxidation.

5. During the corrosion of iron, electrons are lost by the iron atoms in the process of oxidation.
The iron atoms lose electrons and become Fe²⁺ ions, while the electrons are transferred to oxygen
molecules, reducing them to form hydroxide ions. This leads to the formation of iron(III) oxide
(rust) as a final product. The chemical reaction can be simplified as:
Fe→Fe2++2e−

The lost electrons combine with oxygen to form rust.

6. Gold does not corrode because it is a very stable metal with low reactivity. Unlike iron, gold
does not react easily with oxygen or water. This makes it resistant to corrosion and tarnishing.
Gold remains unaffected by atmospheric conditions and retains its appearance over time, which is
why it is used in jewelry and coins.

7. Moisture accelerates the corrosion process by acting as a medium for the transfer of ions,
particularly in the rusting of iron. When water comes into contact with iron, it dissolves oxygen and
creates an electrochemical environment that promotes the formation of iron ions. This facilitates
the reaction that produces rust. In dry conditions, corrosion occurs at a slower rate because there is
no water to facilitate this process.

8. Some common methods to prevent corrosion include:

 Coating the metal with paint or oil to protect it from moisture and air.
 Galvanization, where a layer of zinc is applied to iron to prevent rusting.
 Electroplating, where a thin layer of a more stable metal (e.g., gold or silver) is applied to
prevent corrosion.
 Cathodic protection, where the metal is connected to a more reactive metal to prevent
corrosion.

9. Galvanization prevents the corrosion of iron by coating it with a layer of zinc, which is more
reactive than iron. When the zinc layer is exposed to moisture and air, it corrodes instead of the
iron, protecting the iron underneath. The process of galvanization creates a sacrificial anode that
protects the iron from rusting.
10. Painting is an effective method to prevent the corrosion of metals like iron and steel because
it creates a protective barrier between the metal and the environment. The paint prevents moisture
and oxygen from coming into contact with the metal, which are necessary for the corrosion
process. Regular maintenance of the paint layer helps prevent rusting.
11. Cathodic protection prevents corrosion by connecting the metal that needs protection (such
as a metal pipeline or ship hull) to a more reactive metal (like zinc or magnesium). The more
reactive metal corrodes instead of the protected metal. The sacrificial anode corrodes in place of
the protected metal, preventing damage to the metal structure.
12. Sacrificial protection involves attaching a more reactive metal (such as zinc) to a less
reactive metal (like iron). The reactive metal corrodes first, sacrificing itself to protect the metal it
is connected to. This is commonly used to protect underwater structures, like ship hulls and
underground pipelines, from rusting.
13. Chromium plating on metals like steel helps prevent corrosion by forming a thin, protective
layer of chromium oxide on the surface. This layer prevents oxygen and moisture from reaching
the metal, stopping rust formation. Chromium also has high resistance to corrosion, which extends
the life of the metal.
14. Coating metals with oil prevents them from rusting by forming a protective, water-resistant
layer over the surface. The oil blocks the metal from exposure to moisture and oxygen, both of
which are essential for the corrosion process. This method is commonly used in protecting tools and
machinery from rust.
15. Alloys like stainless steel, which contain metals like chromium, are resistant to corrosion
because the chromium forms a thin, protective oxide layer on the surface of the metal. This layer
prevents the underlying metal from reacting with the environment. The addition of chromium
makes the alloy more durable and resistant to rust and corrosion compared to pure iron or steel.
Figure 3.1: Metals are good conductors of heat

1. (Figure 3.1) Why are metals considered good conductors of heat?

2. (Figure 3.1) What property of metals allows them to transfer heat efficiently?
3. (Figure 3.1) How does the arrangement of particles in metals contribute to their ability to conduct
heat?

Figure 3.2: Metals are good conductors of electricity

4. (Figure 3.2) Why do metals conduct electricity?

5. (Figure 3.2) How does the free electron movement in metals help them conduct electricity?
6. (Figure 3.2) Name a metal commonly used in electrical wiring because of its good electrical
conductivity.

Figure 3.3: Action of steam on a metal

7. (Figure 3.3) What happens when zinc reacts with steam, and what products are formed?
8. (Figure 3.3) How does the reaction of a metal with steam differ from the reaction of the same metal
with cold water?
9. (Figure 3.3) What type of metal typically reacts with steam to form metal oxide and hydrogen gas?

Figure 3.4: Reaction of metals with salt solutions

10. (Figure 3.4) What is observed when a more reactive metal is placed in a salt solution of a less
reactive metal?
11. (Figure 3.4) Why do some metals displace others from salt solutions?
12. (Figure 3.4) What is the result when zinc is placed in copper sulfate solution?

Figure 3.7: Heating a salt sample on a spatula

13. (Figure 3.7) What happens when a metal salt is heated on a spatula over a flame?
14. (Figure 3.7) Why do certain salts produce different flame colors when heated?
15. (Figure 3.7) How can the heating of salts be used to identify specific metal ions?

Figure 3.8: Testing the conductivity of a salt solution

16. (Figure 3.8) How can the conductivity of a salt solution be tested?
17. (Figure 3.8) Why do ionic compounds like salt solutions conduct electricity when dissolved in water?
18. (Figure 3.8) What does it mean if a salt solution does not conduct electricity?

Figure 3.11: Thermit process for joining railway tracks

19. (Figure 3.11) What is the Thermit process used for, and how does it work?
20. (Figure 3.11) What chemical reaction occurs in the Thermit process to generate the necessary
heat?
21. (Figure 3.11) Why is the Thermit process ideal for joining railway tracks?

Figure 3.12: Electrolytic refining of copper

 22. (Figure 3.12) In the electrolytic refining of copper, what is the role of the anode?
23. (Figure 3.12) Why is copper sulfate used as the electrolyte in the electrolytic refining process of
copper?
24. (Figure 3.12) What happens at the cathode during the electrolytic refining of copper?

Figure 3.13: Investigating the conditions under which iron rusts

25. (Figure 3.13) What conditions are necessary for iron to rust, as shown in tube A?
26. (Figure 3.13) Why does iron not rust in tube C even though it is exposed to air?
27. (Figure 3.13) What is the effect of moisture in the process of rusting as shown in tube B?

1. Metals are considered good conductors of heat because they have free-moving electrons. When heat
is applied to one end of a metal, the free electrons move quickly from the hot end to the cooler end,
transferring energy efficiently. This movement of electrons is what allows metals to conduct heat effectively.
2. The ability of metals to conduct heat is due to their dense atomic structure and the presence of free
electrons. In metals, electrons are not tightly bound to individual atoms and can move freely. When heat is
applied, these electrons carry energy from one part of the metal to another, making the metal a good
conductor of heat.
3. The arrangement of particles in metals allows them to transfer heat effectively because the atoms in metals
are closely packed together, allowing vibrations to pass from one atom to the next. Additionally, free
electrons help in transferring thermal energy across the metal. These electrons absorb heat energy and pass
it along quickly.
4. Metals conduct electricity because they have free-moving electrons that can carry electric charge
through the material. The flow of these electrons under the influence of an electric field is what allows metals
to conduct electricity. For example, in copper, the free electrons move freely, allowing electrical current to
pass through easily.
5. The free electrons in metals help them conduct electricity by moving when an electric potential (voltage)
is applied. Metals have a sea of electrons that are not bound to any specific atom, which allows them to
move through the metal, carrying electrical charge. This is why metals like copper and aluminum are
commonly used in electrical wiring.
6. Copper is commonly used in electrical wiring because it has low resistance, meaning it allows electricity
to pass through it easily. Copper has a high number of free electrons that move when an electric current is
applied, making it an excellent conductor of electricity. It's also less prone to corrosion compared to other
metals.
7. When zinc reacts with steam, it forms zinc oxide (ZnO) and releases hydrogen gas (H₂). The reaction
occurs at high temperatures and is a typical example of how some metals react with steam, unlike their
reaction with water at lower temperatures:
Zn+H2O→ZnO+H2
8. The reaction of a metal with steam is often more vigorous than with cold water because steam contains
more energy in the form of heat, which accelerates the reaction. For example, magnesium reacts more
rapidly with steam to form magnesium oxide and hydrogen gas compared to its reaction with cold water,
which is slower.
9. Metals that are more reactive, like magnesium, zinc, and aluminum, typically react with steam. These
metals lose electrons more readily and react with the steam (water vapor) to form metal oxides and release
hydrogen gas. Less reactive metals like copper do not react with steam at all.
10. When a more reactive metal, such as zinc, is placed in a salt solution of a less reactive metal like copper
sulfate, zinc will displace copper from the solution because it is higher in the reactivity series. The result is
the formation of zinc sulfate and copper metal:
Zn+CuSO4→ZnSO4+Cu
11. Zinc is extracted from its ore zinc blende (ZnS) by a process called roasting, where zinc sulfide (ZnS)
is heated in the presence of oxygen to form zinc oxide (ZnO) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂):
ZnS+3O2→2ZnO+2SO2

The zinc oxide is then reduced using carbon to obtain pure zinc:
ZnO+C→Zn+CO

12. In the blast furnace, iron ore (haematite, Fe₂O₃) is reduced using carbon (coke). Carbon monoxide
generated in the furnace reduces iron oxide to iron. The main reaction is:
Fe2O3+3C→2Fe+3CO

The carbon (coke) acts as the reducing agent, and the iron is produced in its molten form.

13. Aluminum and sodium are extracted using electrolysis because they are highly reactive and cannot be
reduced by simple methods like heating with carbon. In electrolysis, the metal compound (usually in molten
form) is split into its components by passing an electric current. For example, in the extraction of aluminum
from bauxite (Al₂O₃), the process is done by electrolyzing aluminum oxide dissolved in molten cryolite.
14. Aluminum is extracted from bauxite using the Hall-Héroult process, which involves dissolving
aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) in molten cryolite and passing an electric current through it. The Al³⁺ ions are
reduced at the cathode to form aluminum metal, and oxygen is released at the anode:
2Al₂O₃→4Al+3O₂
15. Electrolysis is used for the extraction of highly reactive metals like sodium and aluminum because
these metals cannot be easily extracted by reduction with carbon. In electrolysis, the metal is separated from
its compound by passing an electric current. For example, sodium is extracted from sodium chloride (NaCl)
using electrolysis, where sodium ions are reduced at the cathode to form sodium metal.
16. The purpose of refining metals is to purify the extracted metal and remove impurities. Impurities can
affect the physical properties of the metal, such as its strength or conductivity. Refining methods include
electrolytic refining, where an impure metal is used as the anode, and the pure metal is deposited at the
cathode.
17. Copper is refined using electrolytic refining. In this process, impure copper is placed at the anode, and
pure copper is placed at the cathode. When an electric current is passed through the electrolyte (copper
sulfate solution), copper ions from the anode move to the cathode, where they are reduced to form pure
copper. The reaction is:
At the anode: Cu→Cu2++2e−
At the cathode: Cu2++2e−→Cu
18. Zone refining is used to purify metals like silicon by heating a small region of the metal and moving it
through a heating coil. The molten zone moves along the metal, and the impurities, which have lower melting
points, move to the molten region, while the purified metal crystallizes. This process is used to obtain high-
purity materials, especially for semiconductor applications.