IGCSE Chemistry
2026 - 2028
Syllabus Checklist ✅
Topic 15: Metals
Properties of Metals
Compare general physical properties of metals
vs non-metals
, including: (a) thermal conductivity
(b) electrical conductivity
(c) malleability
and ductility
(d) melting
and boiling points
Describe general chemical properties of metals
, limited to reactions with: (a) dilute acids
(b) cold water
and steam
(c) oxygen
Uses of Metals
Relate uses to properties: (a) aluminium
in aircraft – low density
(b) aluminium in overhead electrical cables – low density
& good electrical conductivity
(c) aluminium in food containers – resistance to corrosion
(d) copper
in wiring – good electrical conductivity
& ductility
Alloys and Their Properties
Describe an alloy
as a mixture
of a metal with other elements; include: (a) brass
= copper + zinc (b) stainless steel
= iron + chromium/nickel/carbon (typical)
State that alloys
can be harder
and stronger
than pure metals and are often more useful
Explain (structure): different sized atoms
in alloys disrupt layers so they cannot slide
easily → increased hardness/strength
Describe uses of alloys
in terms of properties, e.g. stainless steel
in cutlery
for hardness and resistance to rusting
Identify representations of alloys
from structure diagrams
(mixed atom sizes)
Reactivity Series
State the order of the reactivity series
: potassium
, sodium
, calcium
, magnesium
, aluminium
, carbon
, zinc
, iron
, hydrogen
, copper
, silver
, gold
Describe relative reactivities as tendency to form positive ions
, by displacement reactions
with aqueous ions of Mg
, Zn
, Fe
, Cu
, Ag
Describe reactions (if any) of: (a) K
, Na
, Ca
with cold water
(b) Mg
with steam
(c) Mg
, Zn
, Fe
, Cu
, Ag
, Au
with dilute HCl
, explained by position in the series
Explain apparent unreactivity of aluminium
due to protective oxide layer
Deduce an order of reactivity
from given experimental results
Extraction of Metals
Relate ease of obtaining metals from ores to position in the reactivity series
Describe extraction of iron
from hematite
in the blast furnace
: (a) burning of coke (carbon)
→ heat & CO₂
(b) reduction of CO₂
to CO
(c) reduction of Fe₂O₃
by CO
(d) thermal decomposition of CaCO₃
to CaO
(e) formation of slag
State the symbol equations: (a) C + O₂ → CO₂
(b) C + CO₂ → 2CO
(c) Fe₂O₃ + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO₂
(d) CaCO₃ → CaO + CO₂
(e) CaO + SiO₂ → CaSiO₃
State that the main ore of aluminium
is bauxite
; aluminium is extracted by electrolysis
Describe extraction of aluminium from purified bauxite/Al₂O₃
: (a) role of cryolite
(b) why carbon anodes
need regular replacement (c) reactions at the electrodes
, including ionic half-equations
(details of bauxite purification not required)
