Lesson 7 Reactions of metals with acids.
ILO's
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to be able to recall that hydrogen and a salt are produced when a metal
reacts with an acid
to be able to describe observations and draw conclusions about relative
reactivity from them
to decide which observations and measurements are appropriate to
deduce relative reactivity
Activities
1) Pupils carry out test tube reactions with 1M hydrochloric acid. Test tubes should be
half-filled with the acid and the metals added in small quantities. Magnesium should be
used one strip at a time. They will need to be patient with Al as it takes some time for
the oxide layer to disappear, if it does.
Pupils may test for the gas hydrogen using the pop test if you choose, depending upon
the ability of the group.
Metals used should be the same as for the last lesson with the exception of Ca!
Again pupils should draw up their own list of relative reactivity, using the results of the
water and acid experiments, including all the metals from potassium to copper.
2) Bring the class together and ask for their version of the reactivity series and then
compare it with the real thing.
K Na Ca Mg Al Zn Fe Sn Pb Cu
You may wish to show silver and gold as being less reactive than copper at this point.
Resources
Activity
1
Resources: Lesson 7
Class set
Al, Cu, Pb pieces
Fe filings,
Zn granules
Mg in 2cm strips
1M Hydrochloric acid (6 bottles)
Sieves
Matches
Homework
Write a mnemonic for the reactivity series (Like 'Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain'
sort of thing)