Metals

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Sample objectives

What this unit covers

• Properties of metals: Examine and contrast the typical physical characteristics of metals and non-metals, focusing on: (a) their ability to conduct heat (b) their ability to conduct electricity (c) their malleability and ductility (d) their melting and boiling points
• Properties of metals: Explain the common chemical behaviors of metals, specifically regarding their reactions with: (a) dilute acids (b) cold water and steam (c) oxygen
• Uses of metals: Explain how metals are utilized based on their physical characteristics, such as: (a) the use of aluminium in aircraft production due to its lightweight nature (b) the application of aluminium in overhead power lines because of its low weight and effective electrical conductivity (c) the role of aluminium in food packaging owing to its corrosion resistance (d) the employment of copper in electrical wiring because of its excellent conductivity and flexibility.
• Alloys and their properties: Explain that an alloy is formed by combining a metal with other elements, such as brass, which consists of copper and zinc, and stainless steel, which includes iron along with elements like chromium, nickel, and carbon.
• Alloys and their properties: Acknowledge that alloys often possess greater hardness and strength compared to pure metals, making them more practical for various applications.
• Reactivity series: List the sequence of metals in the reactivity series, which includes potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, carbon, zinc, iron, hydrogen, copper, silver, and gold.
• Reactivity series: Explain the reactions of potassium, sodium, and calcium with cold water; magnesium with steam; and the reactions of magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, silver, and gold with dilute hydrochloric acid, relating these reactions to their positions in the reactivity series.
• Corrosion of metals: Identify the necessary conditions for the rusting of iron and steel to produce hydrated iron(III) oxide.
• Corrosion of metals: List common methods to create barriers against rust, such as painting, greasing, and applying plastic coatings.
• Extraction of metals: Explain how the difficulty of extracting metals from their ores is influenced by their position in the reactivity series.
• Extraction of metals: Outline the process of extracting iron from hematite using a blast furnace, focusing on: (a) the combustion of carbon (coke) for heat and carbon dioxide production (b) the conversion of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide (c) the reduction of iron(III) oxide by carbon monoxide (d) the thermal breakdown of calcium carbonate to yield calcium oxide (e) the creation of slag. Symbol equations are not necessary.