iGCSE Chemistry Multiple Choice (Extended) : 9.4 Reactivity series: Exam Style Questions Paper 2

Question

When aluminium is placed in dilute hydrochloric acid, there is no reaction.

When zinc is placed in dilute hydrochloric acid, bubbles of gas are immediately given off.

Which statement correctly explains these observations?

A) Aluminium is coated with a layer of aluminium oxide.
B) Aluminium is more reactive than hydrogen.
C) Aluminium is less reactive than zinc.
D) Zinc is less reactive than hydrogen.

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: A

Aluminium naturally forms a protective oxide layer that prevents further reaction with acids (option A). While aluminium is more reactive than hydrogen (B is true), this doesn’t explain the lack of initial reaction. Zinc is actually less reactive than aluminium (C is wrong), and zinc is more reactive than hydrogen (D is wrong). The key factor is the oxide layer on aluminium that initially prevents reaction.

Question

Which row shows the correct order of reactivity of the four named metals?

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: B

The correct reactivity series for these metals is: magnesium (most reactive) > zinc > copper > silver (least reactive). Therefore, option B is correct. Magnesium is above zinc in the reactivity series, and both are above hydrogen, while copper and silver are below hydrogen. Options A, C and D all have errors in the relative positions of these metals in the reactivity series.

Question

Four iron nails are added to four different metal sulfate solutions.

In which solution does a displacement reaction occur?

A) copper(II) sulfate
B) magnesium sulfate
C) sodium sulfate
D) zinc sulfate

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: A

A displacement reaction occurs when a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its compound. Iron is more reactive than copper but less reactive than magnesium, sodium and zinc. Therefore, iron can displace copper from copper(II) sulfate (A), forming iron sulfate and copper metal. No reaction occurs with the other solutions (B, C, D) as those metals are more reactive than iron.

Question

The metal beryllium does not react with cold water.
It reacts with hydrochloric acid but cannot be extracted from its ore by using carbon.
Where is beryllium placed in the reactivity series?
magnesium
A
zinc
B
iron
C
copper
D

Answer/Explanation

Ans: A

iGCSE Chemistry Multiple Choice (Extended) : 9.4 Reactivity series: Exam Style Questions Paper 2

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