metal reactivity

Experiment                                                                                               Date

To observe the nature of the reaction between some metals and hydrochloric acid.

Materials:

Safety glasses and apron

Dropper bottle containing 2 M hydrochloric acid

Dropper bottle containing detergent

Test tubes and test tube rack

Samples of the following metals:

  * magnesium

  * aluminium

  * iron

  * zinc

  * lead

  * copper

Steel wool

Ruler

Method:

1. Clean the surface of the piece of magnesium with the steel wool.

2. Place the magnesium into the test tube.

3. Add a few drops of detergent to the test tube.

4. Add about 1 cm of the hydrochloric acid to the test tube. Record observations and the height of the foam produced in a table.

5. Repeat for the other metals.

Results:

The students were asked to design a table to record their results. I expected a table similar to the one below.

Conclusion:

Questions.

1.    Name some observations that indicate that a chemical reaction is occurring.

2.    List the metals in order from the most reactive to the least reactive. What evidence supports your list?