Where is carbon in the reactivity series?

A close-up photograph of a substance being heated in a test tube over a spirit lamp

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Determine the position of carbon in the reactivity series by heating with metal oxides in this practical and demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

In this experiment, students heat carbon with various metal oxides, looking for evidence of a reaction. They use their results to determine carbon’s position in the reactivity series. Students can then observe as the teacher burns magnesium in carbon dioxide, producing carbon and magnesium oxide.

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