3.2.
1 Conduct practical investigations to compare the reactivity of a variety of metals
in water, dilute acid and oxygen
Aim: To compare the reactivity of metals by observing reactions with water, dilute acid and oxygen.
Materials:
❍ 5 small pieces of each of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc and aluminium
❍ 35 mL dilute (1 mol/L) hydrochloric acid (HCl)
❍ 10 mL conc (8 mol/L) hydrochloric acid (HCl)
❍ 10 mL dilute (1 mol/L) sulfuric acid (H2SO4)
❍ Bunsen burner
❍ gauze mat
❍ metal tongs
❍ distilled water
❍ sandpaper
❍ 14 test tubes
❍ test tube rack
❍ test tube holder
❍ taper
❍ matches
❍ tripod
Method:
Part A: Reaction with Oxygen
1. Clean a piece of magnesium ribbon with sandpaper.
2. Using metal tongs hold the piece of magnesium ribbon in a Bunsen flame until it ignites.
3. Clean pieces of iron, copper, aluminium and zinc with sandpaper. Repeat step 2 with each of
these. Record your observations in the table (see results section).
Part B: Reaction with water
1. Clean a small piece of each of the metals listed using sandpaper.
2. Place each piece in a separate test tube and add about 5 mL of distilled water to each.
Observe and record any change.
3. If reaction occurs, collect the gas by placing your palm over the opening of the test tube.
Test for hydrogen by performing the a ‘pop’ test.
4. If, after a couple of minutes, no reaction occurs heat the test tube in a quiet Bunsen flame
until the water boils. Observe and record your observations.
Part C: Reaction with hydrochloric acid
1. Clean a small piece of each of the metals listed using sandpaper.
2. Place each piece in a separate test tube and add about 5 mL of 1 M hydrochloric acid to
each. Observe and record any change.
5. If reaction occurs, collect the gas by placing your palm over the opening of the test tube.
Test for hydrogen by performing the a ‘pop’ test.
3. Teacher demo: Add 5 mL of 8 M hydrochloric acid to metals which do not react with dilute
hydrochloric acid. Observe and record any changes.
4. Would the reactions be the same if repeated with sulfuric acid? Test your hypothesis by
reacting magnesium and iron with 3 mL of 1M sulfuric acid.
Risk Assessment
Complete the following risk assessment table to consider the specific hazards present in this
experiment and the precautions that should be taken.
Risk Hazard Precaution
Pre-lab questions
1. Complete the following generalised statements regarding metal reactions:
a) Metal + dilute acid
b) Reactive Metal + cold water
c) Less reactive metal + water (steam)
d) Metal + oxygen
2. Explain why these reactions are examples of redox reactions. Use a metal – acid reaction in your
response. Include a fully balanced chemical equation, half-equations and an ionic equation.
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3. In the reaction with oxygen, how would you be able to tell which metal is the most reactive?
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4. Would there be a difference in reactivity when metals are added to dilute vs. concentrated
hydrochloric acid? Give reasons for your answer.
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5. Explain why the reduction half-equation for the reaction between sulfuric acid and magnesium is
the same as that between hydrochloric acid and magnesium.
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Results:
Demo Only
X X
Demo Only
Demo Only
Demo Only
Demo Only
Demo Only
Discussion:
1. For the reactions which occurred, write a:
a. Fully balanced chemical equation
b. Ionic equation
c. Oxidation half-equation
d. Reduction half-equation
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2. Suggest why calcium should not be tested with concentrated acid.
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3. Assess the accuracy of your method by comparing your results to a metal activity series. Account
for any discrepancies.
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4. Write a method for how you would be able to determine the exact order of reactivity of the
metals you have been given. Draw a diagram to support your method.
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