Investigation to find out what affect the position of a metal in the reactivity series has on its ability to be displaced.

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                                                                                Johanna Mans 12.2

Enthalpy changes on displacement and the reactivity series

Aim

To find out what affect the position of a metal in the reactivity series has on its ability to be displaced.

Background Information

The reactivity of metals is shown in the reactivity series below.

Potassium                                Most reactive

Sodium

Calcium

Magnesium

Aluminium

Zinc

Iron

Lead

Copper

Silver

Gold

Platinum                                Least reactive        

As zinc is higher in the reactivity series than both lead and copper, it will be able to displace them from their compounds.

Hypothesis

The closer the metal is to zinc, the harder it will be for zinc to displace, eg, iron would be harder for it to displace than silver. This means that less energy will be produced. Therefore, I predict that lead will be harder to displace, and will therefore have the smaller enthalpy change value.

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Apparatus Justification

Safety

  1. Copper sulphate is harmful if swallowed. It can also be an irritant to the eyes and the skin, so a lab coat and goggles should be used whilst handling. Care should be taken to not inhale any fumes. If any is spilt in the laboratory, water and mineral absorbent should be added to the area.
  2. Lead Nitrate is toxic, and is harmful by digestion and inhalation of dusts. Care must be taken to ensure it does not get in the eys, so goggles should be worn at all times. It is an ...

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