GCSE›AQA GCSE Chemistry›Mind mapsReactivity Series and Metal ExtractionAQA GCSE Chemistry: Mind mapStudy pack PDFAlso for this subtopic:Revision notesFlashcardsSubtopic testCover factsOxidationMetal + oxygen → metal oxideOxidation = gain of oxygenReduction = loss of oxygenHT: OIL RIG, loss or gain of electronsThe seriesK, Na, Li, Ca, Mg, (C), Zn, Fe, (H), CuOrdered by reaction with water and acidCarbon is included because it extracts metalsPotassium fizzes most; copper no reactionReactivityand metal extractionKNaCaMgCuWhy the order?Reactive metals lose electrons easilyThey form positive ions more readilyOrder can be deduced from fizzing rateExtractionLess reactive than carbon → reduce with carbonMore reactive than carbon → electrolysisGold found uncombined as the metalIron oxide + carbon → iron + COX2\ce{CO2}COX2Exam tipsName what is oxidised and what is reducedIron oxide is reduced; carbon is oxidisedOxygen and electron definitions agree, just different views