Describe an activity to arrange zinc, iron, copper and aluminium in order of reactivity using their salt solutions.
How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.
1 · State the rule in one line. A more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from a solution of its salt.
2 · Describe the activity.
Clean strips of Zn, Fe, Cu and Al.
Dip each in solutions of zinc sulphate, ferrous sulphate, copper sulphate and aluminium sulphate.
Look for a coating or a colour change after 10 to 15 minutes.
3 · Draw a results table. Draw a 4 × 4 table with the metals down the side and the salt solutions across the top. Write "reacts" or "no reaction" in each box.
4 · Give the result. Al displaces Zn, Fe and Cu; Zn displaces Fe and Cu; Fe displaces Cu; Cu displaces none. The order is Al > Zn > Fe > Cu. Example: Fe + CuSO₄ → FeSO₄ + Cu.
5 · Link to real life. For the same reason, copper sulphate spray is not mixed in iron buckets.
6 · Close in one line. So displacement reactions let us place metals in the reactivity series.
Scoring tip: A results table is the quickest way to show all twelve tests. Add one equation to show you know the chemistry.
