Reactivity series test with answers for GCSE chemistry (free PDF download)

Quick answer: The reactivity series ranks metals by how easily they lose electrons. This Chemistry 9-10 test on reactivity series has 8 questions worth 20 marks, to do in 45 minutes: order of reactivity, zinc and copper sulfate and redox in the furnace. The mark scheme is on a separate page; free printable PDF.

This test has eight questions worth 20 marks in total. Firstly, write balanced equations where asked, use the reactivity series in your explanations and show your working in calculations. Finally, you may use a calculator.

Level: Chemistry grades 9-10 (GCSE · IGCSE · O Level · Class 9-10) · Curriculum: GCSE C4

Time: 45 minutes · 8 questions · Total: 20 marks · Calculator allowed

Contents

Question 1 Order of reactivity (2 marks)

Firstly, arrange sodium, copper, iron and magnesium from most reactive to least reactive. (2 marks)

Question 2 Zinc and copper sulfate (3 marks)

You place a zinc strip in blue copper(II) sulfate solution.

Firstly, describe what you would see. (1 mark)
Then write the ionic equation for the reaction. (1 mark)
Finally, explain why copper does not displace zinc from zinc sulfate solution. (1 mark)

Question 3 Redox in the furnace (3 marks)

Fe₂O₃ + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO₂.

Firstly, state which substance is reduced and give a reason. (1 mark)
Then state which substance is oxidised. (1 mark)
Finally, name the reducing agent. (1 mark)

Question 4 Methods of extraction (2 marks)

Firstly, explain why aluminium cannot be extracted by heating its oxide with carbon. (1 mark)
Then explain why gold occurs as the metal itself. (1 mark)

Question 5 Iron from iron oxide (3 marks)

Then a furnace reduces 4.8 kg of Fe₂O₃ (Ar: Fe = 56, O = 16).

Firstly, calculate the molar mass of Fe₂O₃. (1 mark)
Then calculate the moles of Fe₂O₃. (1 mark)
Finally, calculate the mass of iron formed. (1 mark)

Question 6 Interpreting temperature rises (3 marks)

The bar chart shows the temperature rise when you add 1.0 g of four metals to copper(II) sulfate solution.

Firstly, state which metal is the most reactive. (1 mark)
Then state which metal could be copper. (1 mark)
Finally, a fifth metal E gives a rise of 17 °C. Then place it in the order. (1 mark)

Temperature rise when you add 1.0 g of each metal to copper(II) sulfate solution.

Question 7 Galvanising (2 marks)

For example, workers coat iron gates in Accra with zinc.

Explain how the zinc protects the iron even when someone scratches the coating. (2 marks)

Question 8 Recycling aluminium (2 marks)

Explain two advantages of recycling aluminium instead of extracting it from bauxite. (2 marks)

Reactivity order, top four metals? — Potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium

Two non-metals in the series? — Carbon and hydrogen

Oxidation in terms of electrons? — Loss of electrons

Reduction in terms of oxygen? — Loss of oxygen

Extraction of metals above carbon? — Electrolysis of the molten compound

Extraction of iron? — Reduce iron oxide with carbon or CO

Blast furnace equation? — Fe₂O₃ + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO₂

What is an ore? — Rock from which metal is profitably extracted

Displacement rule? — A more reactive metal displaces a less reactive one

Why zinc protects iron? — Zinc is more reactive and corrodes first