The Reactivity of Metals. This report give an experiment showing how to find the most to least reactive metal.

Essay by sdixitHigh School, 11th gradeA+, July 2007

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By Sahil Dixit 11.06

Chemistry Experiment

Aim:

To compare the reactivity of metals in oxygen, water and a diluted acid, and rate the metals from most reactive to least reactive.

Apparatus:

6 X magnesium strips

6 X calcium strips

6 X copper strips

6 X iron strips

6 X zinc strips

300 mL of water

Bunsen Burner

Tongs (metal and wooden)

6 X Medium sized test tubes

Funnel

20 Ml of Dilute Hydrochloric acid (1 M)

Measuring Cylinder

Goggles

Thermometer

Lab coat

Matchbox

Rubber stopper

Splint

Risk Assessment:

The beakers can get hot so use the wooden peg to move the beakers around. The acid can be corrosive so handle with care. Using the Bunsen burner, you must watch your hair. When some metals burn they can be very bright so it can blind you for a while so do not look directly at it. The fumes form the acid are harmful if inhaled.

Variables:

Dependant: Reactivity of Metals

Independent: Type of Metal

Controlled: Amount of water, amount of acid, length of strips, temperature of water, temperature of water when heating and concentration of acid.

Method:

Part A: Oxygen

Hold Calcium in tongs and let it burn in Bunsen Burner for 20 seconds.

Repeat step 2 with new strip of Calcium.

Write down observations for results.

Do steps 2-4 with the rest of the metals.

Part B: Acid

Pour 2mL of Hydrochloric acid into 3 test tubes

Drop Calcium into a test tube and swirl around for 15 seconds.

If reaction occurs perform a pop, oxygen and carbon dioxide test.

Repeat steps 3 and 4 with a new strip of Calcium.

Write down observations for results.

Repeat steps 1-5 with the rest of the metals.

Part C: Water

Pour 5mL of water into 3 test tubes.

Drop Calcium into...