Which of the following statements correctly describes the behaviour of different metals when heated in air?
Potassium and sodium react so vigorously with oxygen that they catch fire
The vigour with which a metal reacts with oxygen follows the reactivity series.
Potassium and sodium are at the top of the series and react so vigorously with the oxygen of the air that they catch fire; this is why they are stored under kerosene.
Silver and gold are the least reactive and do not form oxide coatings on heating in air, iron and copper form oxides on heating but do not burn with a flame, and metals certainly do not all burn with the same intensity.
Hence, the answer is that potassium and sodium react so vigorously with oxygen that they catch fire.
Similar Questions
A student tries to balance the equation Fe + H2O → Fe3O4 + H2 and writes the following step:
Fe + H2O4 → Fe3O4 + H2
Which statement best explains why this step is INCORRECT?
What is formed when carbon burns in oxygen?
Identify the correct statement regarding the reaction of sodium carbonate and dilute HCl.
What primary factor determines whether one element can displace another from its compound?
When carbon dioxide gas is passed through lime water (calcium hydroxide solution), it produces a white precipitate which is of:
Read the following statements and choose the correct option.
Statement I: All metals in the reactivity series can displace hydrogen from dilute acids to form hydrogen gas.
Statement II: Metals below hydrogen in the reactivity series do not produce hydrogen gas with dilute acids.
What is the main characteristic of a double displacement reaction?
Which visible change confirms displacement reaction when iron reacts with copper sulphate solution?
If a student mixes acetic acid with sodium hydroxide and observes bubbling, what might explain this observation?
What type of chemical reaction is represented by CaO(s) + H2O(l) → Ca(OH)2(aq) + Heat?
Important Questions from Chemical Reaction
- Which of the following is NOT an example of combination reaction?
- In a redox displacement reaction, if element X loses electrons and element Y gains electrons, then:
- What is the general name of the reaction between an acid and a base?
- When iron filings are mixed with sulfur powder and the mixture is heated, a black substance called iron sulfide is formed. Which statement best describes the changes involved?
- When an iron nail is dipped in copper sulphate solution, which of the following observations confirms that a displacement reaction has occurred?
