The reactivity of iron

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A macro photograph of silver-grey iron filings

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Illustrate iron’s position in the reactivity series by heating it with copper and magnesium oxides in this practical. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

In this experiment, students heat iron metal with the oxides of two other metals, copper and magnesium, to determine its position in the reactivity series. At each stage, students look for signs of a reaction.

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