9.4.6 — Defining Reactivity: Electrons & Ion Formation
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) · Topics: Reactivity Series, Oxidation, Electron Transfer
📌 The 2-Mark Formula (Paper 4 Secret)
Mark 1 → "[Metal X] has a greater/lower tendency to lose electrons than [Metal Y]"
Mark 2 → "…so [Metal X] forms positive ions more/less readily"
Define the reactivity of a metal in terms of its electrons and ions.
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What does it mean when we say a metal has a high reactivity? Answer in terms of electrons.
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State what type of ion a metal forms when it loses electrons.
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Potassium reacts violently with water, while iron does not. Using the concept of electron loss, explain this difference in reactivity.
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Gold is described as an unreactive metal. Explain what this means in terms of electrons and ions.
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Explain why magnesium is more reactive than copper in terms of electrons and ions.
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Zinc displaces copper from copper sulfate solution. Explain this observation in terms of electron loss and ion formation.
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Iron does not displace zinc from zinc sulfate solution. Explain why, using the concept of tendency to lose electrons.
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Sodium reacts explosively with water, while calcium reacts steadily. Explain this difference in terms of electrons.
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A student places strips of zinc and silver into separate solutions of copper sulfate. Zinc reacts; silver does not. Explain both observations in terms of electron loss.
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A more reactive metal is more easily oxidised. Explain why, using the definitions of oxidation and reactivity.
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In the reaction Mg + CuSO₄ → MgSO₄ + Cu, identify which metal is oxidised and explain why in terms of electrons.
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In the same reaction (Mg + CuSO₄ → MgSO₄ + Cu), identify what is reduced and explain using electron transfer.
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Explain why zinc can act as a reducing agent when placed in iron(II) sulfate solution. Use OILRIG in your answer.
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Describe the link between the reactivity series and the ease of oxidation of metals. Include examples of potassium, iron, and gold.
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🎯 Examiner's Final Checklist
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620 · Topic 9.4.6 · Limitless Chemistry Professor
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