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Learning objective

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.

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  • Read the explanation.
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Cambridge IGCSE Combined ScienceMetalsCore content

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Quick explanation

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

  • This point belongs to Reactivity series, especially Reactivity series outcomes.
  • You need to be able to 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.
  • The key ideas to know are Describe and Explain.
  • Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.

Key concepts

DescribeExplain

Why it matters

This objective helps connect Reactivity series outcomes to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Reactivity series.

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Paper 3 structured question: Reactivity series

Paper 3Theory (Core)2 marks

Description

Reactivity Series

The reactivity series ranks metals based on their reactivity with water and acids. Potassium, sodium, and calcium are at the top, while copper, silver, and gold are at the bottom.

  1. a

    Explain the reactions of potassium and sodium with cold water.

    Aim for approximately 2 distinct marking points.

    [2]
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