Metal Oxides (AQA GCSE Chemistry Combined Science): Revision Notes
📚 Revision Notes
4.1.1 Metal Oxides
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Metal Oxides are compounds formed when metals react with oxygen. This reaction, known as oxidation, involves the addition of oxygen to a metal. The result is the formation of a metal oxide, which is generally a solid at room temperature.
Formation of Metal Oxides
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When a metal reacts with oxygen, a chemical reaction occurs, resulting in the formation of a metal oxide.
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The general word equation for this reaction is:
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This process is a type of oxidation, where the metal gains oxygen atoms. For example:
- Magnesium reacts with oxygen to form magnesium oxide , a white powder.
- Iron reacts with oxygen to form iron(III) oxide , commonly known as rust.
Properties of Metals
Metals are the most common elements on Earth, making up about 78% of the elements on the periodic table. They have several key properties:
- Conductivity: All metals can conduct electricity due to the presence of free electrons.
- State: Except for mercury, which is liquid at room temperature, all metals are solids under normal conditions.
- Reactivity: Metals have a tendency to lose electrons and form positive ions. This makes them reactive, especially with oxygen, leading to the formation of metal oxides.