Reactivity series — Paper 1 · IGCSE Science - Combined 0653

22 The diagrams show the result of adding a powdered metal to dilute sulphuric acid. powdered metal bubbles of gas dilute sulphuric acid powdered metal Which of the metals copper, magnesium and zinc react in this way? A copper only B copper and magnesium only C magnesium and zinc only D zinc only

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2005

21 Which property of a metal determines the method used to extract the metal from its ore? A the melting point of the metal B the position of the metal in the Periodic Table C the reactivity of the metal D the relative atomic mass, Ar, of the metal

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2006

21 Three metals are listed. copper magnesium zinc Which of these metals react with dilute sulphuric acid? A copper and magnesium only B copper and zinc only C magnesium and zinc only D copper, magnesium and zinc

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2006

22 Hydrogen is passed over heated copper(II) oxide as shown. copper(II) oxide hydrogen drops of liquid heat The copper(II) oxide is reduced. Which other statement also describes a change that occurs during the reaction? A Copper is distilled. B Copper(II) oxide is thermally decomposed. C Hydrogen is condensed. D Hydrogen is oxidised.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2006

20 The diagrams show an experiment. element alkaline bubbles solution cold water element What could the element be? A calcium B carbon C copper D sulphur

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2007

19 Which metal reacts dangerously when added to dilute sulphuric acid? A copper B magnesium C sodium D zinc

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2008

20 Copper(II) oxide is mixed with solid Q. On heating the mixture, a reaction occurs and the limewater turns cloudy. copper(II) oxide and solid Q heat limewater What is solid Q? A carbon B iron C sulphur D zinc

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2008

23 The diagrams show an experiment. powdered powdered copper magnesium dilute hydrochloric acid test-tube 1 test-tube 2 Each element is added until there is no further reaction. Universal Indicator solution is then added to each test-tube. What are the colours of the indicator in the two test-tubes? test-tube 1 test-tube 2 A blue green B blue red C red green D red red

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2008

21 The table gives, for two metals, the colours of their solids and their aqueous ions. colour of metal solid aqueous ion copper red-brown blue zinc grey colourless Equal amounts of powdered copper and powdered zinc are mixed together. The mixture is added to dilute sulfuric acid in a test-tube until the acid is just used up. Some powder then remains at the bottom of the test-tube. What are the colours of the remaining powder and the solution in the test-tube? powder solution A grey blue B grey colourless C red-brown blue D red-brown colourless

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2010

23 The table gives, for two metals, the colours of their solids and their aqueous ions. colour of metal solid aqueous ion copper red-brown blue zinc grey colourless Equal amounts of powdered copper and powdered zinc are mixed together. The mixture is added to dilute sulfuric acid in a test-tube until the acid is just used up. Some powder then remains at the bottom of the test-tube. What are the colours of the remaining powder and the solution in the test-tube? powder solution A grey blue B grey colourless C red-brown blue D red-brown colourless

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2010

23 The table gives, for two metals, the colours of their solids and their aqueous ions. colour of metal solid aqueous ion copper red-brown blue zinc grey colourless Equal amounts of powdered copper and powdered zinc are mixed together. The mixture is added to dilute sulfuric acid in a test-tube until the acid is just used up. Some powder then remains at the bottom of the test-tube. What are the colours of the remaining powder and the solution in the test-tube? powder solution A grey blue B grey colourless C red-brown blue D red-brown colourless

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2010

21 Aqueous copper(II) ions, Cu2+(aq), are blue. In separate experiments, X and Y, copper powder is added to a test-tube of liquid and the mixture stirred. At the end of each experiment some copper powder remains at the bottom of each tube. experiment X experiment Y copper copper powder powder dilute water sulfuric acid What are the final colours of the liquids above the copper powder? experiment X experiment Y A blue blue B blue colourless C colourless blue D colourless colourless

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2010

20 Aqueous copper(II) ions, Cu2+(aq), are blue. In separate experiments, X and Y, copper powder is added to a test-tube of liquid and the mixture stirred. At the end of each experiment some copper powder remains at the bottom of each tube. experiment X experiment Y copper copper powder powder dilute water sulfuric acid What are the final colours of the liquids above the copper powder? experiment X experiment Y A blue blue B blue colourless C colourless blue D colourless colourless

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2010

22 Aqueous copper(II) ions, Cu2+(aq), are blue. In separate experiments, X and Y, copper powder is added to a test-tube of liquid and the mixture stirred. At the end of each experiment some copper powder remains at the bottom of each tube. experiment X experiment Y copper copper powder powder dilute water sulfuric acid What are the final colours of the liquids above the copper powder? experiment X experiment Y A blue blue B blue colourless C colourless blue D colourless colourless

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2010

21 Metal X reacts vigorously with dilute hydrochloric acid. Salts of metal X give a red colour in a flame test. What is X? A calcium B copper C potassium D sodium

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2011

20 Metal X reacts vigorously with dilute hydrochloric acid. Salts of metal X give a red colour in a flame test. What is X? A calcium B copper C potassium D sodium

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2011

21 In an experiment the elements calcium, copper, potassium and sodium were separately reacted with water. In a second experiment a flame test was carried out on compounds of each of the elements. compound of element element water Bunsen burner Which row correctly shows the reaction of the elements with water and the colour of the flame? reaction with colour of the element water flame A calcium vigorous green B copper no reaction red C potassium vigorous lilac D sodium no reaction yellow

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2011

23 Which property of a metal determines the method used to extract the metal from its ore? A the melting point of the metal B the position of the metal in the Periodic Table C the reactivity of the metal D the relative atomic mass, Ar, of the metal

1 marks

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2012

23 Which property of a metal determines the method used to extract the metal from its ore? A the melting point of the metal B the position of the metal in the Periodic Table C the reactivity of the metal D the relative atomic mass, Ar, of the metal

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2012

23 Which property of a metal determines the method used to extract the metal from its ore? A the melting point of the metal B the position of the metal in the Periodic Table C the reactivity of the metal D the relative atomic mass, Ar, of the metal

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2012

24 Copper(II) oxide is mixed with a solid Q. On heating the mixture, a reaction occurs and the limewater turns milky. copper(II) oxide and solid Q heat limewater What is solid Q? A carbon B iron C sulfur D zinc

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2012

23 Metal X reacts rapidly with cold water. Metal Y does not react with dilute hydrochloric acid. Metal Y is obtained from its oxide by heating with carbon. Which row shows the more reactive metal and the type of reaction which metal Y oxide undergoes when it is heated with carbon? more reactive metal type of reaction A X oxidation B X reduction C Y oxidation D Y reduction

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2013

25 The diagram shows what happens when two metals are added to water. purple flame water metal water metal experiment 1 experiment 2 What are the metals? experiment 1 experiment 2 A calcium zinc B magnesium copper C potassium calcium D potassium copper

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2013

23 Metal X reacts rapidly with cold water. Metal Y does not react with dilute hydrochloric acid. Metal Y is obtained from its oxide by heating with carbon. Which row shows the more reactive metal and the type of reaction which metal Y oxide undergoes when it is heated with carbon? more reactive metal type of reaction A X oxidation B X reduction C Y oxidation D Y reduction

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2013

25 The diagram shows what happens when two metals are added to water. purple flame water metal water metal experiment 1 experiment 2 What are the metals? experiment 1 experiment 2 A calcium zinc B magnesium copper C potassium calcium D potassium copper

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2013

23 Steam is passed over a heated metal. metal gas produced steam heat water The metal reacts and a gas is produced. The gas ignites with a pop when tested with a lighted splint. What are the metal and the gas? metal gas A copper hydrogen B copper oxygen C magnesium oxygen D zinc hydrogen

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2013

23 Which substance does not react with dilute hydrochloric acid to form copper(II) chloride? A copper B copper carbonate C copper hydroxide D copper oxide

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2014

25 Magnesium can be used to extract iron from iron(III) oxide, Fe2O3 to give magnesium oxide and iron. The equation for the reaction is shown. 2Mg + Fe2O3 → Mg2O3 + 2Fe Why is magnesium used in this reaction? A It is less reactive than iron and oxidises iron(III) oxide. B It is less reactive than iron and reduces iron(III) oxide. C It is more reactive than iron and oxidises iron(III) oxide. D It is more reactive than iron and reduces iron(III) oxide.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2014

24 A piece of metal is added to water. metal water Which metal produces the most violent reaction? A copper B magnesium C potassium D zinc

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2014

22 Which substance does not react with dilute hydrochloric acid to form copper(II) chloride? A copper B copper carbonate C copper hydroxide D copper oxide

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2014

27 Magnesium can be used to extract iron from iron(III) oxide, Fe2O3 to give magnesium oxide and iron. The equation for the reaction is shown. 2Mg + Fe2O3 → Mg2O3 + 2Fe Why is magnesium used in this reaction? A It is less reactive than iron and oxidises iron(III) oxide. B It is less reactive than iron and reduces iron(III) oxide. C It is more reactive than iron and oxidises iron(III) oxide. D It is more reactive than iron and reduces iron(III) oxide.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2014

26 Copper can be made from copper oxide by reacting it with carbon at a high temperature. Why is carbon used? A It does not react with copper. B It is a conductor of electricity. C It is a high melting point solid. D It is more reactive than copper.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2014

27 Copper can be made from copper oxide by reacting it with carbon at a high temperature. Why is carbon used? A It does not react with copper. B It is a conductor of electricity. C It is a high melting point solid. D It is more reactive than copper.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2014

26 Carbon is used to extract copper from copper oxide. Which statement about the process is correct? A Carbon is an oxidising agent. B Carbon is more reactive than copper. C Copper is more reactive than carbon. D Copper oxide is a reducing agent.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2015

25 The diagram shows an element being added to cold water to form a gas and an alkaline solution. element alkaline bubbles solution cold water element What is the element? A calcium B carbon C copper D sulfur

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2015

15 In an experiment, a mixture of 0.5 g of copper and 3 g of zinc is added to an excess of dilute sulfuric acid. The copper acts as a catalyst. After all the zinc has dissolved, the resulting mixture is filtered. solid X aqueous zinc sulfate and unreacted acid What is solid X and what is its mass? solid X mass of pure X A copper less than 0.5 g B copper 0.5 g C copper(II) oxide 0.5 g D copper(II) oxide greater than 0.5 g

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2015

20 Magnesium reacts with steam to form magnesium oxide and hydrogen gas. Mg + H2O → MgO + H2 Which statement is correct? A Hydrogen gas is reduced. B Magnesium is oxidised. C Magnesium is reduced. D Water is oxidised.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2015

25 Which element is less reactive than hydrogen? A copper B iron C magnesium D zinc

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2015

15 In an experiment, a mixture of 0.5 g of copper and 3 g of zinc is added to an excess of dilute sulfuric acid. The copper acts as a catalyst. After all the zinc has dissolved, the resulting mixture is filtered. solid X aqueous zinc sulfate and unreacted acid What is solid X and what is its mass? solid X mass of pure X A copper less than 0.5 g B copper 0.5 g C copper(II) oxide 0.5 g D copper(II) oxide greater than 0.5 g

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2015

22 A substance reacts with dilute acid, producing a gas. The gas ignites with a pop when tested with a lighted splint. What is the substance? A copper B copper(II) oxide C magnesium D magnesium carbonate

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2015

24 P, Q, R and S are four metals. P forms bubbles of gas with dilute acid but does not react with cold water. Q reacts slowly with cold water. R does not react with dilute acid. S reacts rapidly with cold water. What is the order of reactivity from most to least reactive? A R → P → Q → S B R → Q → P → S C S → P → Q → R D S → Q → P → R

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2016

20 Which element reacts with dilute sulfuric acid to form a salt? A carbon B copper C sulfur D zinc

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2016

24 Which metal reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid but does not react with cold water? A copper B calcium C sodium D zinc

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2016

24 Which element does not produce a gas when added to dilute hydrochloric acid? A copper B iron C magnesium D zinc

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2016

25 What is the order of reactivity of calcium, copper, potassium and zinc, from most to least reactive? A calcium, potassium, zinc, copper B copper, zinc, calcium, potassium C potassium, calcium, zinc, copper D potassium, zinc, calcium, copper

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2016

25 Iron occurs in the ground as iron oxide. Gold occurs in the ground as the element. Which statement explains this observation? A Gold is more reactive than iron. B Gold oxide is more reactive than iron oxide. C Iron is more reactive than gold. D Iron oxide is more reactive than gold oxide.

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/12 Feb/March 2017

25 Equal sized pieces of four different metals are added to separate samples of dilute hydrochloric acid. The results are shown. 1 2 3 4 Which row identifies the metals in the tubes? tube 1 tube 2 tube 3 tube 4 A calcium copper sodium iron B copper iron potassium sodium C copper magnesium calcium zinc D iron zinc copper magnesium

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2017

25 A mixture of copper(II) oxide and substance Q is heated. The reaction produces copper. What is Q? A aluminium oxide B carbon C carbon dioxide D oxygen

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2017

25 Metal X reacts rapidly with steam but only very slowly with cold water. What is X? A copper B iron C magnesium D sodium

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2018

24 Part of the reactivity series is shown. Ca most reactive Mg Al Zn Fe least reactive Which metals can be produced by reduction of their oxide using carbon? A calcium and magnesium B magnesium and aluminium C aluminium and zinc D zinc and iron

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2019

25 Which row describes the method of extraction and the position of the metal in the reactivity series relative to zinc? position of the metal metal method of extraction in the reactivity series A aluminium electrolysis of bauxite above zinc B aluminium heating metal oxide with carbon below zinc C copper heating metal oxide with carbon above zinc D copper electrolysis of bauxite below zinc

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2019

25 Copper can be made from copper oxide by reacting it with carbon at a high temperature. Why is carbon used? A It does not react with copper. B It is a conductor of electricity. C It is a high melting point solid. D It is more reactive than copper.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2020

20 Magnesium reacts with zinc oxide to form magnesium oxide and zinc. Which substance is reduced in this reaction? A magnesium B magnesium oxide C zinc D zinc oxide

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2020

22 Acid X reacts with metal Y. A colourless gas is given off and a pale green solution is produced. Two tests are carried out on the solution. test reagent(s) added result 1 aqueous silver nitrate and nitric acid white precipitate 2 aqueous sodium hydroxide green precipitate What are acid X and metal Y? acid metal A hydrochloric iron B hydrochloric zinc C sulfuric iron D sulfuric zinc

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2020

23 Some information about four metals P, Q, R and S is listed. P does not react with dilute hydrochloric acid. Q reacts violently with water. R reacts slowly with dilute hydrochloric acid. The oxide of S does not react with carbon. Which row identifies P, Q, R and S? P Q R S A aluminium potassium iron zinc B aluminium calcium zinc potassium C copper potassium iron aluminium D copper calcium zinc magnesium

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/12 Feb/March 2021

23 Which statement about the extraction of metals is correct? A Aluminium is extracted from aluminium oxide by heating with carbon. B Aluminium is less reactive than copper so aluminium can be extracted by electrolysis. C Carbon can be used to remove oxygen from copper(II) oxide. D Copper is extracted from the ore bauxite.

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/12 Feb/March 2023

25 Copper oxide and excess carbon are mixed together. The mass before heating is 12.2 g. The mixture is heated strongly and allowed to cool. The mass after heating is 10.4 g. Why does the mass change? A Carbon forms carbon dioxide which then combines with the copper oxide. B Carbon reduces the copper oxide and leaves the test-tube as carbon dioxide. C Copper oxide loses oxygen, turns into copper and the carbon remains unchanged. D Carbon oxidises the copper oxide and leaves the test-tube as carbon dioxide.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2023

24 Which statements about metals and their compounds are correct? 1 Copper reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to give hydrogen. 2 Carbon does not react with aluminium oxide. 3 Hydrogen is formed when steam is passed over heated zinc. 4 Iron is more reactive than magnesium. A 1 and 2 B 1 and 3 C 2 and 3 D 2 and 4

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2023

20 Dilute hydrochloric acid is added to powdered solid X. Hydrogen gas is produced. dilute hydrochloric acid powdered solid X What is X? A zinc B zinc carbonate C zinc hydroxide D zinc oxide

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2023

20 Dilute hydrochloric acid is added to powdered solid X. Hydrogen gas is produced. dilute hydrochloric acid powdered solid X What is X? A zinc B zinc carbonate C zinc hydroxide D zinc oxide

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2023

24 Which substance does not react with dilute hydrochloric acid to produce copper chloride? A copper B copper carbonate C copper hydroxide D copper oxide

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2023

23 Three properties of element X are listed. ● X reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to make hydrogen. ● X is formed when carbon is heated with an oxide of X. ● X does not react with water. What is the position of X in the reactivity series? A It is above sodium. B It is below copper. C It is below zinc but above copper. D It is between calcium and zinc.

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2024

26 Information about metals P, Q and R is shown. When P is added to cold water, a violent reaction occurs producing lilac flames. Q does not react with dilute hydrochloric acid. R reacts with cold water to produce hydrogen. Which row identifies these metals? P Q R A potassium copper calcium B potassium aluminium magnesium C sodium aluminium calcium D sodium copper magnesium

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2024

23 Which row explains why carbon is used to extract copper from copper oxide and identifies the type of reaction that occurs during the extraction? explanation type of reaction A carbon is more reactive than copper redox B carbon is more reactive than copper thermal decomposition C carbon is less reactive than copper redox D carbon is less reactive than copper thermal decomposition

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2024

23 Which row explains why carbon is used to extract copper from copper oxide and identifies the type of reaction that occurs during the extraction? explanation type of reaction A carbon is more reactive than copper redox B carbon is more reactive than copper thermal decomposition C carbon is less reactive than copper redox D carbon is less reactive than copper thermal decomposition

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2024

24 Which statement explains why aluminium is extracted from its ore by electrolysis and not by heating with carbon? A Aluminium is more reactive than carbon. B Aluminium is more reactive than hydrogen. C Aluminium melts at 660 °C. D Aluminium resists corrosion.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2025

21 Which element is less reactive than hydrogen? A copper B iron C magnesium D zinc

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2025

21 Which two substances form when magnesium reacts with steam? A magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen B magnesium hydroxide and oxygen C magnesium oxide and hydrogen D magnesium oxide and water

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2025

21 Which two substances form when magnesium reacts with steam? A magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen B magnesium hydroxide and oxygen C magnesium oxide and hydrogen D magnesium oxide and water

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2025