Reactivity of Metals

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Reactivity of Metals Background Information When a metal (such as magnesium, aluminium, zinc and copper) is mixed with hydrochloric acid, a hydrogen gas is produced. If hydrogen gas is produced, a pop sound should be heard when a flame is held over the substance. On the periodic table the most highly reactive elements are in the first group and the least reactive are in the last group. All metals have the same properties, they are shiny, they conduct heat and electricity, they are malleable which means able to change shape permanently without breaking or cracking, and they are also ductile which means they are able to be deformed without losing their strength. Aim To compare the reactivity of various metals by observing their reaction with hydrochloric acid Hypothesis That the all the metals will produce foam and a pop. Variables Independent – Magnesium, Aluminium, Zinc, Copper Dependent – Detergent, Hydrochloric Acid Controlled – Size of the metals, amount of detergent and hydrochloric acid Materials 2 M hydrochloric acid Detergent 10 x test tubes and test tube rack and 5 rubber stoppers 0.5 cm pieces of magnesium, aluminium, zinc and copper 2 cm pieces of magnesium, aluminium, zinc and copper Steel wool Ruler Timer Bench mat Matches and birthday candle Marking pen Safety Remember to wear safety glasses and protective gloves when you do this experiment. 2 M HCl is corrosive. Wash with plenty of water should you get any on your skin or in your eyes. Method Part 1 1 Clean the surface of the 0.5cm piece of magnesium with a piece of steel wool 2 Place the magnesium into a test tube 3 Add three drops of detergent to the test tube 4 Add 2 cm of hydrochloric acid to the test tube. Set timer for 5 minutes and record your observations, including the height of the foam produced in a results table 5 Repeat the process for the

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