GCSE SCIENCE CHEMISTRY HIGH SCHOOL - The Reactivity of Water with Metals

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Reaction with Water.

Potassium, sodium, lithium and calcium react with cold water,
see alkali metals and alkaline earth metals.

Metals in the reactivity series from magnesium to iron
react with steam - H₂O_(g) but not water - H₂O_(l).
The reaction forms the metal oxide and hydrogen gas.
You must know the test for hydrogen gas.

magnesium + steam magnesium oxide + hydrogen.
Mg_(s) + H₂O_(g) MgO_(s) + H_2(g)

aluminium + steam aluminium oxide + hydrogen.
2Al_(s) + 3H₂O_(g) Al₂O₃_(s) + 3H_2(g)

zinc + steam zinc oxide + hydrogen.
Zn_(s) + H₂O_(g) ZnO_(s) + H_2(g)

iron + steam iron(III) oxide + hydrogen.
2Fe_(s) + 3H₂O_(g) Fe₂O₃_(s) + 3H_2(g) Note that the reaction between iron and steam is reversible.

Tin, lead, copper, silver, gold and platinum
do not react with water or steam.

Headings Reactivity Series Search Questions

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