Unit 1: Properties of Metals

This unit introduces the unique characteristics that make metals some of the most useful materials on Earth. Students will investigate the physical properties of metals, such as conductivity, malleability, ductility, and strength, as well as their chemical behaviour. They will explore the structure of metallic bonding and discover how alloys are created to improve material performance. Through real-world examples, students will learn how the properties of metals influence their many industrial and everyday applications.

Topics:

Unit 2: The Reactivity Series

In this unit, students will explore why some metals react more readily than others and how the reactivity series can be used to predict chemical behaviour. They will investigate reactions between metals and oxygen, water, and acids, comparing reaction rates and products. Through experimentation and analysis, students will develop an understanding of how reactivity influences both natural processes and industrial applications.

Topics:

  • What Is the Reactivity Series?
  • Reactions with Oxygen
  • Reactions with Water
  • Reactions with Acids
  • Comparing Metal Reactivities

Unit 3: Displacement Reactions

This unit focuses on the competition between metals in chemical reactions and introduces the concept of electron transfer. Students will investigate displacement reactions, explore why more reactive metals can replace less reactive metals in compounds, and examine oxidation and reduction at the particle level. These concepts provide an important foundation for understanding redox chemistry and many industrial processes.

Topics:

  • Metal Displacement Reactions
  • Reactivity and Competition
  • Evidence for Electron Transfer
  • Oxidation as Loss of Electrons
  • Reduction as Gain of Electrons

Unit 4: Extraction of Metals

In this unit, students will investigate how metals are obtained from the Earth's crust and why different metals require different extraction methods. They will explore the difference between native metals and ores, examine extraction by carbon reduction and electrolysis, and evaluate how reactivity influences the extraction process. Students will also consider the environmental and economic impacts associated with mining and metal production.

Topics:

  • Metals Found Native and in Ores
  • Extraction by Carbon Reduction
  • Extraction by Electrolysis
  • Factors Affecting Extraction Methods
  • Environmental Impacts of Extraction

Unit 5: Corrosion and Protection

The final unit examines one of the major challenges associated with metals: corrosion. Students will investigate the rusting of iron, identify the conditions required for corrosion, and explore methods used to prevent deterioration. They will learn how protective coatings, galvanizing, and sacrificial protection help preserve structures and machinery. Through case studies and real-world examples, students will see how chemistry plays a crucial role in maintaining modern infrastructure.

Topics:

  • Rusting of Iron
  • Conditions Required for Rusting
  • Preventing Corrosion
  • Sacrificial Protection and Galvanizing
  • Applications and Case Studies

Final Challenge

Apply your understanding of metals, reactivity, extraction, and corrosion to analyze real-world chemical and engineering problems. Students will use evidence from experiments, chemical principles, and industrial case studies to explain metal behaviour, predict reactions, evaluate extraction methods, and recommend solutions to challenges involving materials and corrosion.

Modifié le: lundi, 8 juin 2026, 10:33