Myers Science Hub™ Academic Premium
MSH Practical Laboratory Series
Lab 7: Reactivity of Metals with Dilute Acid
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620
Printable Student Worksheet
Paper 5 / Paper 6 Skills
Topic: 9.4 Reactivity Series | Student printable version
MSH™
Student name
Class
Date
Teacher
Student ID

Aim

To complete a practical investigation linked to 9.4 Reactivity Series and develop IGCSE practical skills in observation, measurement, recording, analysis and evaluation.

Learning Objectives

Apparatus and Chemicals

Safety:

Risk Assessment Summary

Possible hazardSafety precautionEmergency response
Chemicals may irritate skin or eyes.Wear eye protection; avoid direct contact; use small quantities.Rinse affected area with plenty of water and inform the teacher.
Glassware, hot apparatus or flames may cause injury.Handle apparatus carefully; use test-tube holders; keep bags away from benches.Report breakages, burns or spills immediately.

Paper 5 / Paper 6 Practical Skills Checklist

I selected and used suitable apparatus safely.
I recorded observations and measurements clearly.
I used correct units and table headings.
I identified variables where appropriate.
I processed data or drew conclusions from evidence.
I evaluated the method and suggested improvements.

Method

  1. Place equal volumes of dilute hydrochloric acid into four test tubes.
  2. Add one metal sample to each tube.
  3. Observe effervescence and temperature changes.
  4. Record the speed or intensity of reaction.
  5. If instructed, test any gas produced with a lighted splint.
  6. Rank the metals from most to least reactive.

Results

MetalObservationsRelative ratePosition in order
Magnesium
Zinc
Iron
Copper

Additional observations:

Analysis Questions

  1. Which metal reacted fastest?
  2. Which metal did not react or reacted least?
  3. What gas is produced when reactive metals react with dilute acid?
  4. Write a word equation for one reaction.

Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER)

Claim: What happened?Evidence: What data/observations support this?Reasoning: What chemistry explains it?

Conclusion

Use your observations to place the metals in order of reactivity.

Evaluation

Identify one source of error and one improvement to the method.

Source of errorImprovement

Extension / Challenge

Explain why copper is below hydrogen in the reactivity series.

Teacher Assessment (30 Marks Total)

CriterionMarks
Planning & Organisation5
Data Collection & Observations5
Processing & Analysis10
Evaluation & Improvements5
Conclusion5
Total30

Submit Lab to Master Sheet

Check that your name, class, date and responses are complete before submitting.