9.4 Steam Reactions — Past Paper Exam
Topic 9.4.3 · Metals reacting with steam · 15 Questions · 36 Total Marks
Section A
Products (Q1–5)
Section B
Apparatus (Q6–10)
Section C
Comparisons (Q11–15)
⚗️ Core Reactions to Know
Mg(s) + H₂O(g) → MgO(s) + H₂(g)
3Fe(s) + 4H₂O(g) ⇌ Fe₃O₄(s) + 4H₂(g)
Zn(s) + H₂O(g) → ZnO(s) + H₂(g)
Cu, Ag, Au — do NOT react with steam.
Section A — Products
Name the two products formed when magnesium reacts with steam.
Explain why magnesium oxide is formed when magnesium reacts with steam, rather than magnesium hydroxide.
Write the balanced symbol equation, including state symbols, for the reaction of iron with steam.
What type of oxide is magnesium oxide? Explain what this tells you about its reaction with water at room temperature.
Zinc reacts with steam to form zinc oxide and hydrogen. Predict what you would observe during this reaction.
Section B — Apparatus
[DRAWING REQUIRED] Draw and label the apparatus used to react magnesium ribbon with steam. Include: the source of steam, the position of magnesium, and how hydrogen gas is collected.
Chem-Realism™ — Mg + Steam Apparatus
In the steam reaction experiment, state the purpose of the damp mineral wool.
State TWO safety precautions that should be taken when performing the magnesium-steam experiment.
Describe how you would test the gas produced in the magnesium-steam reaction to confirm its identity.
Suggest why a hard-glass (borosilicate) tube is used rather than a regular soda-lime glass tube in this experiment.
Section C — Comparisons
Compare the reaction of magnesium with cold water versus its reaction with steam. Include: rate of reaction, products formed, and any observations.
Iron reacts with steam but does NOT react with cold water or hot water. What does this tell you about iron's position in the reactivity series relative to magnesium?
Copper does not react with steam. What does this tell you about copper's position in the reactivity series? Predict what product, if any, would form if copper were heated very strongly in air instead.
A student claims: 'All metal oxides formed from steam reactions are ionic compounds.' Evaluate this statement with reference to the bonding in magnesium oxide.
The reaction of iron with steam is used in the industrial production of hydrogen gas. Write the equation for this reaction and explain ONE industrial advantage of using iron over magnesium for this purpose.
End of Paper · 36 Total Marks
Limitless IGCSE Chemistry Professor · Syllabus 0620 (2026–2028)
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