# Lead, carbon and gold are three substances found in the reactivity series. A student heats lead oxide with carbon in a crucible. Explain why this reaction produces lead metal, and state what type of reaction this is. Include the names of the oxidising agent and the reducing agent in your answer.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1) — 2.4 Reactivity series · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Carbon is more reactive than lead (so it can displace lead from its compound / oxide)
2. Carbon reduces the lead oxide / carbon removes oxygen from lead oxide, producing lead metal
3. This is a redox reaction (both oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously)
4. Carbon is the reducing agent AND lead oxide is the oxidising agent

## Key terms

- [reactivity series](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/reactivity-series)
- [reducing agent](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/reducing-agent)
- [oxidising agent](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/oxidising-agent)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/lead-carbon-and-gold-are-three-10164569) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.