2. The reactions of metals with oxygen are a series of chemical
reactions that happen when metals are exposed to oxygen in
air.
These reactions can create a variety of effects, including
changes in the physical appearance of the metal, and the
production of smoke and fumes that can be toxic or dangerous
like metals such as sodium and magnesium are highly reactive
and can react explosively with oxygen, releasing large amounts
of energy in the form of heat and light.
By understanding the reactions of metals with oxygen,
scientists and engineers can design materials that are resistant
to corrosion, design safe and efficient combustion systems, and
develop new technologies for energy production and storage.
3. In a scientific laboratory, we often burn metals to study their
properties or to demonstrate scientific principles. Burning
metals is a useful way to investigate the oxidation reaction
of a metal with oxygen. The oxidation reaction is an
exothermic process that releases energy in the form of heat
and light. By burning metals in a laboratory environment, we
can study the properties of the metal before and after the
reaction, and we can observe the changes in the metal's
appearance, temperature, color, etc. Burning metals can
also be used to study the interactions of metals with
different gases and chemicals, and to demonstrate the
basics of combustion reactions.
5. Preliminary work is an activity that is carried out
before the main investigation, usually to help
planning it (such as preparing for the main
investigation, gather relevant information, or set
up a solid foundation for the main investigation.)
Martha wants to investigate burning metals in more
detail. She wants to compare how vigorously they react.
Martha has already observed some metal burning. She
made her preliminary work. She will use this to help plan
her investigation.
6. Martha made an investigation to see how vigorous certain metals can be and plans to
observe them.
She sprinkles the metal in flame and writes down his observations.
To make observations and present the results, it is important to have clear procedures
that are easy to repeat and understand. Here are some steps that can be followed:
1. Collect materials such as different metals
2. Measure and record the weight of each metal before the burning reaction.
3. Burn each metal in a safe environment
4. Measure the change in temperature of the flame for each metal.
6. Record the results
7. Bright white sparks.
Crackling sounds. Very
vigorous.
•
•
•
•
Bright white sparks. More
vigorous than iron?
No signs of a reaction.
Burned - bright yellow sparks.
8. Martha describes the pattern in her results, and writes a conclusion.
“From my results, I conclude that magnesium reacts most
vigorously with oxygen. Next is zinc, then iron. Copper does not
react at all.”
9. Martha also realises that she has not used scientific knowledge to
explain her results. She plans to use secondary sources to find out why
magnesium reacts more vigorously than the other metals she tested.
Martha thinks about her investigation. It was difficult to judge whether
zinc or iron reacted more vigorously. She cannot be sure that her
order is correct. She writes the comment below.
“From my investigation, I cannot be sure that the order is
correct. I need to do another investigation to collect more
evidence.”
11. What is preliminary work?
In Martha’s investigation, which metal have the most and
the least vigorous reaction?
What is the effect of a reaction of burning metals?
12. Preliminary work is an activity that is carried out before the main
investigation, usually to help planning it (such as preparing for the main
investigation, gather relevant information, or set up a solid foundation for
the main investigation.)
Most vigorous : Magnesium, Least vigorous: Copper
These reactions can create a variety of effects, including changes in the
physical appearance of the metal, and the production of smoke and fumes
that can be toxic or dangerous like metals such as sodium and magnesium
are highly reactive and can react explosively with oxygen, releasing large
amounts of energy in the form of heat and light.
