Topic 9 of 12 · 4 modules planned

Metals

Properties and uses of metals, the reactivity series, rusting and how metals are extracted.

Modules

Module 1 · syllabus 9.1, 9.2, 9.3
Metals and alloys
Why are alloys stronger than pure metals?
This module is planned. It will have readings, an experiment, practice with self-checks and a final check.

Syllabus statements for this topic · for teachers · 23 statements

Core for every pupil · Supplement also for Extended entry. Paraphrased from the Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620 syllabus (2026–2028); check the official syllabus for exact wording.

9.1 Properties of metals

9.1.1Metal/non-metal physical-property comparisonC
9.1.2Metal reactions with acid, water/steam and oxygenC

9.2 Uses of metals

9.2.1Aluminium/copper uses from physical propertiesC

9.3 Alloys and their properties

9.3.1Alloy composition: brass and stainless steelC
9.3.2Alloy strength/hardness and usefulnessC
9.3.3Stainless-steel use in cutleryC
9.3.4Alloy particle diagramsC
9.3.5Different atom sizes and restricted layer movementS

9.4 Reactivity series

9.4.1Required metal/carbon/hydrogen reactivity sequenceC
9.4.2Reactivity evidence: cold water, steam and dilute acidC
9.4.3Ordering from experimental resultsC
9.4.4Metal displacement and positive-ion formationS
9.4.5Aluminium oxide passivationS

9.5 Corrosion of metals

9.5.1Water and oxygen in iron rustingC
9.5.2Barrier treatments: paint, grease, plasticC
9.5.3How barriers prevent rustingC
9.5.4Galvanising: barrier and sacrificial effectsS
9.5.5Sacrificial protection and electron lossS

9.6 Extraction of metals

9.6.1Extraction route from reactivityC
9.6.2Blast-furnace stages, limestone and slagC
9.6.3Bauxite and aluminium electrolysisC
9.6.4Five blast-furnace symbol equationsS
9.6.5Aluminium cell: cryolite, anode replacement and half-equationsS