Lesson 1 of 6

Metals and oxygen

Goal: Describe how metals and non-metals react with oxygen.

Puzzles for this lesson

When a substance reacts with oxygen, it is oxidised. The product is called an oxide.

magnesium + oxygen → magnesium oxide

Metal oxides are basic. They are bases, so they neutralise acids. Magnesium oxide and copper oxide are two of them.
Most non-metal oxides are acidic. Carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide dissolve in water to make acids.
Some metals react faster than others. Magnesium burns with a bright white flame. Copper only turns black. Gold does not react at all.

Your turn

This lesson’s activity starts here in a moment.

I can write a word equation for an oxidation.I can say which oxides are basic and which are acidic.

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Oxidation A reaction in which a substance combines with oxygen

Oxide A compound of an element with oxygen

For teachers: AQA 3.6.1 · Pearson Edexcel 26.1 · Cambridge 8Cc.03