Question detail
Explain why less reactive metals may not react readily with dilute acids.
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Reactions of acids
Question
Explain why less reactive metals may not react readily with dilute acids.
Answer
Less reactive metals do not have a strong enough tendency to lose electrons and form positive ions, which is necessary for a reaction with dilute acids. As a result, these metals may not displace hydrogen ions from the acid, leading to little or no observable reaction.
Explanation
This answer demonstrates understanding of the reactivity series and the conditions required for a metal to react with an acid. It tests the student's ability to connect the concept of reactivity with chemical behavior.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding reactivity series relevance
Students think all metals will react with dilute acids, ignoring the reactivity series and the fact that metals below hydrogen (e.g., zinc, iron) may not react readily with dilute acids.
Explain that only metals higher than hydrogen in the reactivity series (e.g., magnesium, zinc, iron) will displace hydrogen from dilute acids; metals below hydrogen (e.g., copper, silver) do not react with dilute acids because they are less reactive.
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