AQA GCSE Chemistry
AQA GCSE Chemistry 4.4.1 Reactivity of Metals Exam Questions
Free AQA GCSE Chemistry exam questions for 4.4.1 Reactivity of Metals, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers metal oxides, the reactivity series, displacement reactions, extracting metals using carbon, and oxidation and reduction in terms of electrons.
4.4.1 Reactivity of Metals exam questions
3 question packs of real past exam questions, each with its mark scheme. Do not stop after a few: answer as many as you can without notes, then mark every answer with the mark scheme. The more questions you do, the more quickly you will spot how examiners ask about each idea.
StemUp mark scheme flashcards
GCSE Chemistry Triple Science Flashcards for 2027 Onwards
Every answer is written in mark scheme wording, so you learn exactly what examiners give marks for. Then test yourself with the questions on this page.
From £7.99View flashcards
About AQA GCSE Chemistry 4.4.1 Reactivity of Metals
In AQA GCSE Chemistry 4.4.1 you learn how metals react with oxygen, water and acids and how this leads to the reactivity series. You then use the series to predict displacement reactions and decide how a metal is extracted from its ore, using carbon for metals below carbon. At Higher tier you describe oxidation and reduction in terms of electrons and write ionic equations and half equations. The topic is in section 4.4 Chemical changes, assessed on Paper 1, and links to electrolysis in 4.4.3 and to life cycle assessment and alternative extraction methods in 4.10.
What you need to know
- Metal oxides Metals react with oxygen to produce metal oxides. This is oxidation, because oxygen is gained. Reduction is the loss of oxygen.
- Reactivity series Potassium, sodium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, (carbon), zinc, iron, (hydrogen), copper. Reactivity depends on how easily the metal forms positive ions. Observations with water and dilute acid are used to place metals in order.
- Displacement A more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from a solution of its compound, for example Mg + CuSO4 → MgSO4 + Cu.
- Extraction of metals Unreactive metals such as gold are found as the metal. Metals less reactive than carbon can be extracted from their oxides by reduction with carbon, for example 2Fe2O3 + 3C → 4Fe + 3CO2. More reactive metals are extracted by electrolysis.
- Oxidation and reduction in terms of electrons (Higher tier only) Oxidation is loss of electrons; reduction is gain of electrons (OIL RIG). Write ionic equations for displacement, for example Zn + Cu2+ → Zn2+ + Cu, and identify which species is oxidised and which is reduced.
Common mistakes in 4.4.1 Reactivity of Metals
- Saying a more reactive metal 'gains electrons' in displacement. The more reactive metal loses electrons (is oxidised) to form ions.
- Using carbon to extract metals above carbon in the series. These must be extracted by electrolysis.
- Defining reduction only as 'gaining oxygen'. Reduction is loss of oxygen (and, at Higher tier, gain of electrons).
- Including spectator ions in ionic equations, such as sulfate ions that do not change.
- Mixing up observations: in displacement of copper, describe a brown or pink solid forming and the blue colour fading.
Try three 4.4.1 Reactivity of Metals exam-style questions
1. Magnesium is added to copper(II) sulfate solution. Describe what you would observe and write a word equation. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Brown/pink solid (copper) forms; blue colour of the solution fades; magnesium + copper sulfate → magnesium sulfate + copper.
2. Explain why iron can be extracted from iron(III) oxide by heating with carbon but aluminium cannot be extracted this way. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Carbon is more reactive than iron so can reduce iron oxide (remove the oxygen); aluminium is more reactive than carbon so carbon cannot displace it (it is extracted by electrolysis).
3. Zn + Cu2+ → Zn2+ + Cu. State which species is oxidised and explain your answer. (2 marks) Higher tier only
Show the mark scheme answer
Zinc is oxidised; because it loses electrons (Zn → Zn2+ + 2e-).
4.4.1 Reactivity of Metals FAQs
What does AQA GCSE Chemistry 4.4.1 cover?
It covers how metals react with oxygen, water and acids, the reactivity series, displacement reactions, extraction of metals by reduction with carbon and, at Higher tier, oxidation and reduction in terms of electrons.
Which paper is reactivity of metals on?
Section 4.4 Chemical changes is assessed on AQA GCSE Chemistry Paper 1.
How do I remember the reactivity series?
Use a mnemonic for potassium, sodium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, carbon, zinc, iron, hydrogen, copper, and practise predicting whether a displacement or carbon extraction will happen. Remember OIL RIG for electron transfer.
