1. Production and Uses of Metals
Thermit reaction

2. The reactivity series of metals
Different metals have different reactivities. A more reactive metal will remove oxygen from the oxide of a less reactive metal when a mixture of the two is heated.
When a mixture of powdered aluminium and iron(III) oxide is ignited by a high temperature fuse, molten iron is formed. This reaction is called the thermit reaction and is used to weld sections of railway track.
A mixture of aluminium and iron(III) oxide reacting together
crucible
railway track
railway track

3. The reactivity series of metals
This table shows the reactivity series of common metals, and how they are extracted from their ores.
Reactivity
Element
Extraction method
Reaction with acid
Strong
K (Potassium)
Electrolysis
Too dangerous
Na (Sodium)
Ca (Calcium)
Releases hydrogen and dilute hydrochloric acid.
Mg (Magnesium)
Zn (Zinc)
Chemical reduction
Fe (Iron)
Sn (Tin)
Cu (Copper)
Doesn’t release hydrogen and dilute hydrochloric acid.
Weak
Ag (Silver)