Physical Properties of Metals

• strong
• malleable
• ductile
• good conductor of electricity
• shiny
• high melting + boiling points
• high density

Chemical Properties of Metals

• reacts with dilute acids to form salts + hydrogen
• forms oxides → neutralises acids
• positive ions

Comparing metals for reactivity

sodium → violent reaction in water → 2NaOH + H2

calcium → violent → Ca(OH)2 + H2

magnesium → not too violent → MgO + H2

<aside> 📌 more reactive metals form metal hydroxides less reactive metals form metal oxides

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<aside> 📌 when metals react with water or an acid → they replace the H2 because they are more reactive that hydrogen

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The displacement of hydrogen is redox

e.g

Mg + 2H2O → MgO + H2

oxidation state magnesium: 0 → (+II) → oxidation

oxidation state hydrogen: (+I) → 0 → reduction

Metals in competition

— competing with carbon

— a more reactive substance will displace a less reactive substance

magnesium → gets displaced

lead → displaced

Comparing reactivity with carbon

— competing with other metals

• the more reactive becomes the reducing agent
• reduction of a metal = always exothermic

Order of reactivity

1. zinc