Note:
IGCSE Chemistry Notes On Metals
10.1 Properties of metals
Core
- List the general physical properties of metals
- Describe the general chemical properties of
metals, e.g. reaction with dilute acids and
reaction with oxygen
- Explain in terms of their properties why alloys are
used instead of pure metals
- Identify representations of alloys from diagrams
of structure
10.2 Reactivity series
Core
- Place in order of reactivity: potassium, sodium,
calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, (hydrogen) and
copper, by reference to the reactions, if any, of
the metals with:
– water or steam
– dilute hydrochloric acid
and the reduction of their oxides with carbon
- Deduce an order of reactivity from a given set of
experimental results
Supplement
- Describe the reactivity series as related to the
tendency of a metal to form its positive ion,
illustrated by its reaction, if any, with:
– the aqueous ions
– the oxides
of the other listed metals
- Describe and explain the action of heat on the
hydroxides, carbonates and nitrates of the listed
metals
- Account for the apparent unreactivity of
aluminium in terms of the oxide layer which
adheres to the metal
10.3 Extraction of metals
Core
- Describe the ease in obtaining metals from their
ores by relating the elements to the reactivity
series
- Describe and state the essential reactions in the
extraction of iron from hematite
- Describe the conversion of iron into steel using
basic oxides and oxygen
- Know that aluminium is extracted from the ore
bauxite by electrolysis
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages
of recycling metals, limited to iron/steel and
aluminium
Supplement
- Describe in outline, the extraction of zinc from
zinc blende
- Describe in outline, the extraction of aluminium
from bauxite including the role of cryolite and
the reactions at the electrodes
10.4 Uses of metals
Core
- Name the uses of aluminium:
– in the manufacture of aircraft because of its
strength and low density
– in food containers because of its resistance
to corrosion
- Name the uses of copper related to its properties
(electrical wiring and in cooking utensils)
- Name the uses of mild steel (car bodies and
machinery) and stainless steel (chemical plant
and cutlery)
Supplement
- Explain the uses of zinc for galvanising and for
making brass
- Describe the idea of changing the properties of
iron by the controlled use of additives to form
steel alloys