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AP Chemistry
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AP English Literature
Chemistry
Dec 4, 2025
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3 pages
The reactivity series helps us understand how readily different metals react with substances like oxygen, water, and acids.... Show more
Metals vary greatly in their reactivity levels. The most reactive metals are found in Groups 1, 2 and 3 of the periodic table, including potassium, sodium, calcium and aluminium. Transition metals like iron, copper and zinc have medium reactivity, while gold, silver and platinum are notably unreactive.
When metals react with oxygen, they form metal oxides through a process called oxidation. The chemical equation follows the pattern Metal + oxygen → metal oxide. For example, magnesium burns brightly in oxygen to form magnesium oxide .
Group 1 metals like potassium, sodium and lithium react extremely vigorously with oxygen even at room temperature. Medium-reactive metals like magnesium, zinc and iron react more slowly or require heating. The least reactive metals like gold and platinum don't react with oxygen at all.
Remember The more reactive a metal is, the more vigorously it reacts with oxygen. Group 1 metals can be dangerous to handle because they react so readily with both oxygen and water!
Reactive metals can displace hydrogen from water through the reaction Metal + water → metal hydroxide + hydrogen. The highly reactive metals potassium, sodium and lithium react immediately with cold water, producing hydrogen bubbles. Potassium even burns with a distinctive purple flame during this reaction!
When metals react with acids, they follow the pattern Metal + acid → metal salt + hydrogen. You'll observe bubbling as hydrogen gas is released, and the metal will gradually dissolve. Extremely reactive metals (potassium, sodium, lithium) react violently with acids, while calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron react steadily.
Displacement reactions occur when a more reactive metal takes the place of a less reactive metal in a compound. For example, when zinc is added to copper sulphate solution, zinc displaces copper because it's more reactive. You'll observe the blue solution becoming colourless as zinc sulphate forms, while solid copper appears as a brown deposit.
Quick tip In displacement reactions, remember OIL RIG - Oxidation Is Loss of electrons, Reduction Is Gain of electrons. The more reactive metal loses electrons (oxidised) while the less reactive metal gains electrons (reduced).
How we extract metals from their ores depends entirely on the metal's reactivity. If a metal is less reactive than carbon, we can extract it using reduction with carbon. This method won't work for highly reactive metals.
In reduction with carbon, the metal oxide reacts with carbon to produce the pure metal and carbon dioxide. For example Copper oxide + carbon → copper + carbon dioxide . During this process, copper oxide is reduced (it loses oxygen), while carbon is oxidised (it gains oxygen).
Looking at the electron transfer helps us understand what's happening. Copper starts as a 2+ ion (Cu²⁺) and ends with no charge (Cu), meaning it has gained electrons. Carbon loses electrons as it changes from an element to a compound, becoming oxidised.
Important concept For metals more reactive than carbon (like aluminium, calcium and sodium), we must use electrolysis instead of carbon reduction. This requires more energy, making these metals more expensive to extract.
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Electron (Redox) reduction
ChemistryExplore the fundamentals of redox reactions, including definitions of oxidation and reduction, the roles of oxidising and reducing agents, and their positions in the electrochemical series. This summary covers key concepts such as electronegativity trends, examples of common oxidising and reducing agents, and practical applications in chemistry. Ideal for Higher Chemistry students.
ChemistryQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The reactivity series helps us understand how readily different metals react with substances like oxygen, water, and acids. This determines which metals can displace others in reactions and impacts how we extract metals from their ores. Let's explore how metals... Show more
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Metals vary greatly in their reactivity levels. The most reactive metals are found in Groups 1, 2 and 3 of the periodic table, including potassium, sodium, calcium and aluminium. Transition metals like iron, copper and zinc have medium reactivity, while gold, silver and platinum are notably unreactive.
When metals react with oxygen, they form metal oxides through a process called oxidation. The chemical equation follows the pattern: Metal + oxygen → metal oxide. For example, magnesium burns brightly in oxygen to form magnesium oxide .
Group 1 metals like potassium, sodium and lithium react extremely vigorously with oxygen even at room temperature. Medium-reactive metals like magnesium, zinc and iron react more slowly or require heating. The least reactive metals like gold and platinum don't react with oxygen at all.
Remember: The more reactive a metal is, the more vigorously it reacts with oxygen. Group 1 metals can be dangerous to handle because they react so readily with both oxygen and water!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Reactive metals can displace hydrogen from water through the reaction: Metal + water → metal hydroxide + hydrogen. The highly reactive metals potassium, sodium and lithium react immediately with cold water, producing hydrogen bubbles. Potassium even burns with a distinctive purple flame during this reaction!
When metals react with acids, they follow the pattern: Metal + acid → metal salt + hydrogen. You'll observe bubbling as hydrogen gas is released, and the metal will gradually dissolve. Extremely reactive metals (potassium, sodium, lithium) react violently with acids, while calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron react steadily.
Displacement reactions occur when a more reactive metal takes the place of a less reactive metal in a compound. For example, when zinc is added to copper sulphate solution, zinc displaces copper because it's more reactive. You'll observe the blue solution becoming colourless as zinc sulphate forms, while solid copper appears as a brown deposit.
Quick tip: In displacement reactions, remember OIL RIG - Oxidation Is Loss of electrons, Reduction Is Gain of electrons. The more reactive metal loses electrons (oxidised) while the less reactive metal gains electrons (reduced).
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
How we extract metals from their ores depends entirely on the metal's reactivity. If a metal is less reactive than carbon, we can extract it using reduction with carbon. This method won't work for highly reactive metals.
In reduction with carbon, the metal oxide reacts with carbon to produce the pure metal and carbon dioxide. For example: Copper oxide + carbon → copper + carbon dioxide . During this process, copper oxide is reduced (it loses oxygen), while carbon is oxidised (it gains oxygen).
Looking at the electron transfer helps us understand what's happening. Copper starts as a 2+ ion (Cu²⁺) and ends with no charge (Cu), meaning it has gained electrons. Carbon loses electrons as it changes from an element to a compound, becoming oxidised.
Important concept: For metals more reactive than carbon (like aluminium, calcium and sodium), we must use electrolysis instead of carbon reduction. This requires more energy, making these metals more expensive to extract.
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
3
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Electron (Redox) reduction
ChemistryExplore the fundamentals of redox reactions, including definitions of oxidation and reduction, the roles of oxidising and reducing agents, and their positions in the electrochemical series. This summary covers key concepts such as electronegativity trends, examples of common oxidising and reducing agents, and practical applications in chemistry. Ideal for Higher Chemistry students.
ChemistryQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
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