Cambridge IGCSE·Co-ordinated Sciences 0654·Chemistry
Metals
Key knowledge — Metals
Key facts & rules
- Reactivity series (most to least): K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, (C), Zn, Fe, (H), Cu, Ag, Au, Pt.
- Displacement: more reactive metal displaces less reactive metal from solution.
- Iron extracted by blast furnace: iron ore + coke + limestone → iron + CO₂ (reduction of Fe₂O₃ by CO).
- Aluminium extracted by electrolysis (too reactive for carbon reduction) — very high energy cost.
- Rusting: iron + oxygen + water → iron(III) oxide (hydrated). Prevented by: painting, galvanising, electroplating, sacrificial protection.
- Galvanising: coating iron with zinc (zinc is higher in reactivity series — acts as sacrificial anode).
- Alloys: steel (Fe + C — harder), stainless steel (Fe + C + Cr + Ni), brass (Cu + Zn), bronze (Cu + Sn).
IGCSE Chemistry — Metals
878 Cambridge IGCSE 0654 chemistry past paper questions on metals, organised by subtopic. Pick a subtopic to start practising.
About metals on IGCSE 0654
The reactivity series, reactions of metals, extraction of metals, alloys and corrosion.