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
• 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 excellent 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 superior electrical conductivity.
• Alloys and their properties: Explain that alloys are combinations of a metal with other elements, such as brass, which is made from copper and zinc, and stainless steel, which consists of iron mixed with elements like chromium, nickel, and carbon.
• Alloys and their properties: Recognize that alloys often possess greater hardness and strength compared to pure metals, making them more practical for various applications.
• Reactivity series: List the reactivity series in the following order: potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, carbon, zinc, iron, hydrogen, copper, silver, 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 iron to rust, which include the presence of oxygen and water.
• Corrosion of metals: List several 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: Identify that iron is obtained from hematite through the reduction of iron(III) oxide in a blast furnace.