Blog of the Day: B.12 and B.13

Copper Metal
-When heated, it gradually reacts with oxygen gas in the air to produce a black substance.
-2Cu(s) + O2(g) ---> 2CuO(s)
-Reacts to form black copper oxide when heated in room temperature. The metal remains relatively unreactive in air.

Magnesium Metal
-also reacts with oxygen gas
-unlike copper, when magnesium is heated in the air it quickly BURNS in a flash of light.
-2Mg(s) + O2(g) ---> 2MGO(s)

Gold (Au)
-doesn't react with any components in air, including oxygen gas.
-This is one reason why golden is highly prized in long-lasting, decorative objects (such as jewelry).
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-Each solution contains a particular cation.
-Observing how willingly  a certain metal reacts with oxygen provides information about the metal's chemical's reactivity.

Thanks.
Forever and Always,
Abi