Activity Series of Metals
Chemistry Practical: Activity Series of Metals
Introduction:
The chemical activity of a metal is directly related to its practical use. In this investigation you will investigate the chemical activity of metals with oxygen, water, acid and alkali, to rank metals in order of their activity.
Aim:
To observe the reactivity of metals in order to determine the activity series of metals.
Risk Assessment:
In this investigation, hydrochloric acid solution is used which is toxic by all routes of exposure and is also a lung irritant. To avoid harm and ensure safety, eye protection and skin protection must be used.
Equipment:
* Metal tongs * Bunsen Burner * Zinc * Lead * Magnesium * Iron * Tin * Aluminium * Copper * Splint * 50 Ml Hydrochloric acid solution * 8 Test tubes * Measuring Cylinder * Beaker
Method:
Part A: Reaction of Metals with Oxygen 1. Hold each metal under a Bunsen flame and wait until the metal becomes very hot or melts. 2. If apparent changes are not visible, allow the metal to be left on a gauze mat until it cools and examine again. 3. Repeat the above procedure for each metal.
Part B: Reaction of Metals with Water 1. Clean each piece of metal with emery paper (sand paper) until it is shiny. 2. Drop a piece of each metal into a test-tube containing about 5 Ml cold distilled water. If a reaction is not visible, heat the water until it boils. 3. If bubbles of gas are produced, test the gas with a lighted splint. If a ‘pop’ sound is heard, the gas, hydrogen, is present.
Part C: Reaction of Metals with Acids 1. Pour 5 Ml of hydrochloric acid into each of the eight test tubes. (Make sure to wear eye protection and skin protection in order to prevent harm or contact with the Hydrochloric Acid). 2. Clean each piece of metal with emery paper (sand paper) until it is shiny/polished. 3. Carefully slide into each test-tube a piece of each polished metal.
Introduction:
The chemical activity of a metal is directly related to its practical use. In this investigation you will investigate the chemical activity of metals with oxygen, water, acid and alkali, to rank metals in order of their activity.
Aim:
To observe the reactivity of metals in order to determine the activity series of metals.
Risk Assessment:
In this investigation, hydrochloric acid solution is used which is toxic by all routes of exposure and is also a lung irritant. To avoid harm and ensure safety, eye protection and skin protection must be used.
Equipment:
* Metal tongs * Bunsen Burner * Zinc * Lead * Magnesium * Iron * Tin * Aluminium * Copper * Splint * 50 Ml Hydrochloric acid solution * 8 Test tubes * Measuring Cylinder * Beaker
Method:
Part A: Reaction of Metals with Oxygen 1. Hold each metal under a Bunsen flame and wait until the metal becomes very hot or melts. 2. If apparent changes are not visible, allow the metal to be left on a gauze mat until it cools and examine again. 3. Repeat the above procedure for each metal.
Part B: Reaction of Metals with Water 1. Clean each piece of metal with emery paper (sand paper) until it is shiny. 2. Drop a piece of each metal into a test-tube containing about 5 Ml cold distilled water. If a reaction is not visible, heat the water until it boils. 3. If bubbles of gas are produced, test the gas with a lighted splint. If a ‘pop’ sound is heard, the gas, hydrogen, is present.
Part C: Reaction of Metals with Acids 1. Pour 5 Ml of hydrochloric acid into each of the eight test tubes. (Make sure to wear eye protection and skin protection in order to prevent harm or contact with the Hydrochloric Acid). 2. Clean each piece of metal with emery paper (sand paper) until it is shiny/polished. 3. Carefully slide into each test-tube a piece of each polished metal.