1. Experiments leading to the construction of the reactivity series
Reaction of Group 1 metals with water
The reactivity of a metal is related to the speed of the reaction and how much energy is given out. In general, a more reactive metal reacts faster and gives out more heat or light.
The reactivity series is the order by which metals are listed according to their chemical reactivity. Evidence for the reactivity series comes from the reactions of metals with water and dilute acids.
2. Using the Reactivity Series
The Metal Reactivity Series
The metal reactivity series is a commonly taught concept in chemistry, placing the metals, as its name suggests, in order of reactivity from most reactive to least reactive. It’s also a useful tool in predicting the products of simple displacement reactions involving two different metals, as well as providing an insight into why different metals are extracted from their ores in different manners. This graphic places a selection of common metals into order of reactivity, as well as showing their reactions with air, water and steam.
Making Predictions Using Reactivity Series
Learn the basics about making predictions using the reactivity series, as a part of metals and their reactivity within environmental chemistry.
3. Extraction of Metals
Tutorial - Extraction of Metals
At the end of this video, you will be able to explain the need to extract methods and the methods used to extract metals (based on their position in the reactivity series).
Future Extraction Methods
Learn the basics about future extraction methods including bioleaching and phytomining. This is a part of the overall environmental chemistry topic.
4. Iron
Iron Alloys
Learn about iron alloys as part of metals and their reactivity, within environmental chemistry.
Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. Iron is present in all cells in the human body and has several vital functions. In developing countries, approximately 50% of anemia in the population is thought to be due to iron-deficiency.
Iron deficiency anaemia is treated with oral iron supplements. When iron-rich foods (liver, red meats, eggs, fish, whole-grain bread, legumes) are not widely available or affordable, fortifying staple foods such as flour is an alternative for reaching a large portion of the population.
The Science of the Avengers
Is Iron Man's suit made of iron? What about Captain America's shield? Watch the video by American Chemical Society exploring the science of Marvel Comics superhero team the Avengers.
Tutorial - Rusting and Corrosion
At the end of this video, you will be able to
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describe the essential conditions for rusting of iron
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outline the differences between rusting and corrosion
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describe and explain the methods of rust prevention
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explain the concept of sacrificial protection and state its applications
LTA to check MRT tunnels for salt levels
Corrosion of metal parts of the rail system caused by salt contamination was identified as the cause of at least three breakdowns in the North East MRT Line.
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While you read the article, think about:
In what environments can you find a higher salt concentration?
Why do you think a high salt concentration causes corrosion to take place quickly?
What methods were suggested in the article for overcoming the problem?
5. Recycling of Metals
Recycling Metals
Learn the basics about recycling metals as a part of the environmental chemistry topic.
A Forecast of When We’ll Run Out of Each Metal
Our supplies of metal ores will not last forever. This graphic shows how long the known reserves of certain metals will last. 'Known reserves' are the amounts of ore which we know it is worth mining at present prices.
Notice that the reserves of some metals will last much longer than others. Some metals, such as copper, are in very short supply. What should we do as reserves of these metals run out?