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Properties of Metals

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A series of free IGCSE Chemistry Lessons (Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry).
Patterns and properties of metals, The alkali metals, Aluminium, The transition elements, The reactivity of metals, Electrical cells and energy.

The following table shows the reactivity series of metals and how to remember them using a mnemonic. Scroll down the page for examples and solutions.

Reactivity Series of Metals

The following table shows the Thermal Decomposition for metal nitrates, carbonates and hydroxides. Scroll down the page for examples and solutions.

Thermal Decomposition of Metals

Group 1 (Alkali Metals) and Oxygen



Group 1 (Alkali Metals) and Water
Identifying metal ions
Five flame tests that we use to identify metal ions. (Potassium, Sodium, Lithium, Barium, Calcium)
How to identify metal ions by precipitation with sodium hydroxide solution.
Finally, we look at how to learn the chemical tests. Reactions of Alkaline Earth Metals with Oxygen
How Group II metals burn in oxygen? Reactions of Alkaline Earth Metals with Water
What Are The Uses Of Aluminium?
How Does It Anodise? Thermite Reaction
iron(III) oxide(s) + aluminium → aluminium oxide + iron Test for Aluminium ions
Solutions containing aluminium ions are typically colourless in colour.
To test for the presence of aluminium ions in solution, you may use either the sodium hydroxide test or the ammonia test.
1) Sodium Hydroxide Test - To a sample of your solution, add a few drops of sodium hydroxide solution. A white precipitate forms. Upon addition of excess sodium hydroxide, the white precipitate dissolves.
2) Ammonia Test - To a sample of your solution, add a few drops of ammonia solution. A white precipitate forms. Upon addition of excess ammonia solution, the white precipitate remains insoluble.
The Amphoteric Nature Of Aluminum
Properties of transition elements and also their reactivity (in comparison to alkali metals)
Testing cations
Ammonium, Copper II, Iron II, Iron III, Zinc Metal carbonates reacting with acids
How different metal carbonates react with acids Four metals you need to know
The definition of the word "ore", which frequently comes up in exams. We then explore four different metals: Iron, copper, aluminium and titanium. Acids reacting with Metals
How acids react with metals?
We learn what is meant by a salt and why different metals react with acids at different rates. Acids reacting with Metals 2
Look at the reaction between acids and metals, focusing on the oxidation and reduction reactions taking place.

Displacement reactions
Thermal decomposition of metal compounds 1/2
Thermal decomposition of metal compounds 2/2
Cells and Batteries
How cells and batteries use a chemical reaction to produce electricity?
We look at how the reactivities of the metals affect the potential difference produced and we learn the difference between rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries. Fuel Cells
How fuel cells generate electricity, looking specifically at the hydrogen fuel cell?
Compare the advantages of hydrogen fuel cells compared with rechargeable batteries.

Try the free Mathway calculator and problem solver below to practice various math topics. Try the given examples, or type in your own problem and check your answer with the step-by-step explanations.
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