Very Short Question and Answers - Chemical Properties of Metals

Metal oxides are generally basic in nature, though some are amphoteric.

2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO

Aluminium forms a protective layer of aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃).

Copper forms a black layer of copper(II) oxide (CuO) when heated in air.

Gold (Au) and Platinum (Pt) do not react with oxygen.

Sodium reacts explosively with cold water, producing sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

Ca + 2H₂O → Ca(OH)₂ + H₂↑

Copper (Cu), Silver (Ag), and Gold (Au) do not react with water.

Iron reacts with steam to form iron(II, III) oxide (Fe₃O₄) and hydrogen gas.

Zn + H₂O (steam) → ZnO + H₂↑

Magnesium reacts rapidly, producing magnesium sulphate and hydrogen gas.

These metals are less reactive than hydrogen and cannot displace hydrogen from acids.

Fe + 2HCl → FeCl₂ + H₂↑

Sodium reacts violently, producing sodium chloride and hydrogen gas.

When a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its salt, e.g., Zn + CuSO₄ → ZnSO₄ + Cu.

No, copper is less reactive than zinc and cannot displace it from its salt solution.

Iron displaces copper from copper sulphate, forming iron(II) sulphate and copper is deposited.

Sodium is the most reactive among these with dilute hydrochloric acid.

2Al + 6HCl → 2AlCl₃ + 3H₂↑

Copper (Cu) and Silver (Ag) do not react with dilute hydrochloric acid.