REACTIVITY OF
METALS PRACTICAL
Aim
To observe the reactions of various metals to hydrochloric acid.
Materials
Safety goggles, 2M HCl, detergent, test tube, test tube rack, ½ cm piece each
of magnesium, aluminium, iron, zinc, lead, copper, steel wool, ruler.
Method
1. Clean the surface of the magnesium with a piece of steel wool.
2. Place the magnesium into the test tube.
3. Add 3 drops of detergent to the test tube.
4. Add 2 centimetres of HCl to the test tube. Record observations and the
height of the foam produced in the results table below.
5. Repeat the above process for the remaining metals.
Results
Metal
Magnesium
Observations
Height of foam (cm)
Aluminium
Iron
Zinc
Lead
Copper
Discussion
1. Which metal was the most reactive? Can you explain why?
2. Which metal was the least reactive? Are there any reasons why?
3. Why were the metals cleaned with the steel wool first?
4. Why was the detergent added to the test tubes with the HCl?
5. What properties would you think the most reactive metal would also
exhibit?
Conclusion
Write a short, concise statement about the results of the practical. Remember,
a conclusion always relates to the aim of the experiment.