**Understanding Metal Corrosion and Reactivity** **Corrosion of Iron in Tap Water:** Because tap water is slightly acidic, water pipes made of iron corrode over time, as shown by the balanced equation: \[ 2\text{Fe}_{(\text{s})} + 6\text{H}^+_{(\text{aq})} \rightarrow 2\text{Fe}^{3+}_{(\text{aq})} + 3\text{H}_2\text{(g)} \] This equation demonstrates that solid iron (Fe) reacts with hydrogen ions (H\(^+\)) in water to form iron ions (Fe\(^{3+}\)) and hydrogen gas (H\(_2\)). **Chemical Reactivity and Copper Pipes:** Copper pipes are less likely to corrode than iron pipes due to differences in their chemical reactivity. Copper (Cu) is less reactive compared to iron (Fe), making it more resistant to corrosion in acidic environments like tap water. **Reactivity Series of Metals:** To further understand the chemical reactivity of metals, refer to the Reactivity Series of Metals diagram below: ![Reactivity Series of Metals] The diagram displays the reactivity series from the most reactive to the least reactive metals. From top to bottom, the metals are arranged as follows: - Most Reactive: - Potassium (K) - Sodium (Na) - Calcium (Ca) - Magnesium (Mg) - Aluminum (Al) - Carbon (C) - Zinc (Zn) - Iron (Fe) - Tin (Sn) - Lead (Pb) - Less Reactive than Hydrogen: - Hydrogen (H) - Copper (Cu) - Silver (Ag) - Gold (Au) - Platinum (Pt) - Least Reactive: In this diagram, metals listed at the top, like potassium and sodium, are the most reactive, while those listed at the bottom, like gold and platinum, are the least reactive. Copper falls below iron in this series, indicating that it does not react as readily, thereby explaining its greater resistance to corrosion in tap water.
**Understanding Metal Corrosion and Reactivity** **Corrosion of Iron in Tap Water:** Because tap water is slightly acidic, water pipes made of iron corrode over time, as shown by the balanced equation: \[ 2\text{Fe}_{(\text{s})} + 6\text{H}^+_{(\text{aq})} \rightarrow 2\text{Fe}^{3+}_{(\text{aq})} + 3\text{H}_2\text{(g)} \] This equation demonstrates that solid iron (Fe) reacts with hydrogen ions (H\(^+\)) in water to form iron ions (Fe\(^{3+}\)) and hydrogen gas (H\(_2\)). **Chemical Reactivity and Copper Pipes:** Copper pipes are less likely to corrode than iron pipes due to differences in their chemical reactivity. Copper (Cu) is less reactive compared to iron (Fe), making it more resistant to corrosion in acidic environments like tap water. **Reactivity Series of Metals:** To further understand the chemical reactivity of metals, refer to the Reactivity Series of Metals diagram below: ![Reactivity Series of Metals] The diagram displays the reactivity series from the most reactive to the least reactive metals. From top to bottom, the metals are arranged as follows: - Most Reactive: - Potassium (K) - Sodium (Na) - Calcium (Ca) - Magnesium (Mg) - Aluminum (Al) - Carbon (C) - Zinc (Zn) - Iron (Fe) - Tin (Sn) - Lead (Pb) - Less Reactive than Hydrogen: - Hydrogen (H) - Copper (Cu) - Silver (Ag) - Gold (Au) - Platinum (Pt) - Least Reactive: In this diagram, metals listed at the top, like potassium and sodium, are the most reactive, while those listed at the bottom, like gold and platinum, are the least reactive. Copper falls below iron in this series, indicating that it does not react as readily, thereby explaining its greater resistance to corrosion in tap water.
Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
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