2.13.1 Metal Ores and Extraction Flashcards
What is a mineral?
A mineral is an individual chemical compound with a particular crystal structure
How many minerals do rocks normally contain?
Most rocks contain a mixture of different minerals
What is an ore?
An ore is a rock that contains enough of a certain mineral to make it worth mining
When is a rock not an ore?
A rock is not an ore if it costs more to extract the metal from it than the metal is worth
What do most ores contain?
Most ores contain metal oxides or sulphides
What is roasting?
Roasting is the air method used to convert metal sulphides into metal oxides
How is an ore roasted?
The ore is crushed to increase the surface area, then it is heated strongly in a stream of air. The metal oxide and sulfur dioxide is produced
What is the equation for the roasting of zinc sulphide?
ZnS + 3/2O2(g) -> ZnO(s) + SO2(g)
What is a use for the sulphur dioxide produced in roasting?
Sulphur dioxide from roasting sulphide ores is used as a raw material for making sulphiric acid
What is an advantage of using the sulfur dioxide produced in roasting to produce sulfuric acid?
- It reduces the environmental impact
What are uses of sulfuric acid?
Fertilisers, explosives, medicines
What is the name of the method used to produce sulfuric acid?
The contact method
What is the catalyst used to produce sulfuric acid?
Vandium (V) oxide
what method is used to extract the most reactive metals?
Electrolysis
Why are metals produced by electrolysis likely to be expensive?
The electricity is expensive to produce
Why are metals produced by electrolysis likely to be expensive?
The electricity is expensive to produce
How can electrolysis be used on metals that are not reactive?
By first reacting it with a more reactive metal, such as magnesium or sodium
What is used to extract some of the least reactive metals?
Hydrogen
How can hydrogen be manufactured?
It can be manufactured by the electrolysis of sodium hydroxide, or directly from fossil fuels
Apart from hydrogen, what else can be used to extract the least reactive metals?
Carbon can also be used to extract the least reactive metals
What is a convenient source of carbon?
Coal is a convenient source of carbon
How is coke produced?
Usually by heating carbon strongly in the absence of air, producing coke
How is coke produced?
Usually by heating carbon strongly in the absence of air, producing coke
How is iron extracted from its ores?
Iron is extracted from its ores in a blast furnace
