First chemistry (grades 7–8) · Grade 8
Metals in acid: who bubbles most?
ChemAI · Worksheet
NameClassDate
Aim
Compare magnesium, zinc and copper. The more reactive the metal, the faster the hydrogen bubbles.
Before you start: what do you predict will happen? Why?
What you do
| Step | What I observed | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Add magnesium to tube 1. | |
| 2 | Add zinc to tube 2. | |
| 3 | Add copper to tube 3. Nothing happens: copper is not reactive enough. | |
| 4 | Hold a burning splint at tube 1: the “pop” proves the gas is hydrogen. |
Questions
- Write a word or symbol equation for one reaction you observed.
- Explain your most important observation using particles, ions or energy.
- Was your prediction right? What would you change to get a more reliable result?