REACTIVITY VIRTUAL LAB

Hey guys, today we went to the computer LAB to do a LAB. HA-HA (Lame joke of the day) No? Okay... /weeps in the corner


We took a little breather from balancing equations and did a virtual lab about reactivity! The lab was based on single replacement reactions and the reactivity of metals. From doing this lab, we learned that in order to have a single replacement reaction, a more active metal will always replace the anions of a less active metal.To determine the reactivity of a metal, you can compare them through different metal ions with same negative ions. Now, our "Activity Series" sheet comes in handy.

(listed from greatest reactivity to least)

LET'S RECALL:
(formula for single replacement)

A + BC --> AC + B


A = more reactive metal
B = less reactive metal
C = any negative ion that remains the same throughout experiment


So let's say that aluminum is added to copper (II) chloride. By checking our activity series chart, we can see that aluminum is surely more reactive than copper. Hurray! There is a single replacement reaction, so we can finish the equation. Remember to balance!


2Al(s) + 3CuCl2(aq) --> 2AlCl3(aq) + 3Cu(s)


On the other hand, if copper was to be reacted with aluminum chloride, then there will be no reaction since copper is less reactive than aluminum.


Throughout the lab, we did a series of activities where we observed the reactions (if any) of different metals by placing them into each solution. Note that each solution contains the same negative ions. This means that the reaction of the metal is purely based upon the different metal ions. From this, we can tell if a metal is active or not. There will be no reaction if the metal that is being placed in the solution is less reactive (or the same) than the one already in the solution.

Here, magnesium is placed into four different solutions. We see that a reaction has occured when the colour of the metal or its shape has been changed from its original form. From trying out all of these activities, we have found out that magnesium is the most reactive out of all of the ones that are stated throughout the lab. You can also check by referring back to the "Activity Series" chart!


Therefore, by using different solutions with the same non-metals, we can find out the reactivity of each metal. And from this information, we can predict whether or not that metal would react in the future.


P.S:
Did you know, the Statue of Liberty was made out of copper? Hmm why is that? Why not iron..? ;)


*HINT HINT* Look at your activity series sheet/chart.

If you would like to try out this lab, here is the link! :)
http://mrpalermo.com/Virtual_Lab_Activity_Series.html