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WHy OXygen can react with metal?As i know , oxygen(O2) is bonded by covalent bond and it should be neutral charge. So how can the metal react with oxygen?
Oxygen is a highly reactive element that readily forms chemical bonds with other elements. When exposed to oxygen, metals can undergo a process called oxidation, where they lose electrons to oxygen atoms, resulting in the formation of metal oxides.
The reaction between oxygen and metal is a redox reaction, where the metal is oxidized and oxygen is reduced. During the reaction, oxygen molecules (O2) break apart and bond with metal atoms, forming metal oxides. This process releases energy in the form of heat and light.
The reactivity of a metal with oxygen depends on its electronegativity and ionization energy. Metals with low electronegativity and high ionization energy, such as gold and platinum, are less likely to react with oxygen. On the other hand, metals with high electronegativity and low ionization energy, like sodium and potassium, are highly reactive with oxygen.
The rate of oxygen-metal reactions can be influenced by several factors, including temperature, surface area, and the presence of catalysts. Higher temperatures can increase the rate of reaction, while a larger surface area of the metal can provide more sites for oxygen to react. Catalysts can also speed up the reaction by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur.
While most metals can react with oxygen, some metals, such as copper and silver, are less likely to undergo oxidation. This is because they form a protective layer of oxide on their surface, which prevents further reaction with oxygen. However, under certain conditions, even these metals can react with oxygen to form metal oxides.