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Topic 4: Extracting metals and equilibria

3 dot points across 3 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What is a reversible reaction, and what does dynamic equilibrium mean?

Reversible reactions and equilibria: reversible reactions and the use of the reversible arrow, the energy change in each direction, dynamic equilibrium in a closed system, and the idea that the conditions affect the position of equilibrium.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Chemistry topic 4, covering reversible reactions and the reversible arrow, why the forward and backward reactions have opposite energy changes, what dynamic equilibrium means in a closed system, and the qualitative effect of changing conditions on the position of equilibrium.
9 min answer →

How do metals react with oxygen, water and acids, and what are displacement reactions?

Reactions of metals: reactions with oxygen, water and dilute acids, using these to place metals in a reactivity series, displacement reactions, and recycling and life cycle considerations.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Chemistry topic 4, covering how metals react with oxygen, water and dilute acids, using the observations to order metals in a reactivity series, displacement reactions of more reactive metals, writing ionic equations for displacement, and why metals are recycled.
9 min answer →

How does a metal's reactivity decide how it is extracted from its ore?

Extracting metals: the reactivity series, oxidation and reduction in terms of oxygen and electrons, extraction by reduction with carbon, extraction by electrolysis, and alternative biological methods.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Chemistry topic 4, covering the reactivity series, oxidation and reduction defined by oxygen and by electron transfer, why a metal's position decides its extraction method, reduction with carbon for less reactive metals, electrolysis for reactive metals, and biological extraction methods.
10 min answer →