5.10.1.4 alternative methods of extracting metals (ht only)

Question 1

The Earth’s resources of metal ores and unlimited or limited?

Answer 1

Limited

Question 2

Copper ores are becoming scarce and new ways of extracting copper from low-grade ore include..

Answer 2

Phytomining and bioleaching, these methods avoid traditional mining methods of digging, moving and disposing of large amounts of rock.

Question 3

What is phytomining

Answer 3

Phytomining uses plants to absorb metal compounds. The plants are harvested and then burnt to produce ash that contains metal compounds

Question 4

What is bioleaching

Answer 4

Bioleaching uses bacteria to produce leachate solutions that contain metal compounds which are they electrolysed

Question 5

The metal compounds can be processed to obtain the metal. For example, copper can be obtained from solutions of copper compounds by..

Answer 5

Displacement using scrap iron or by electrolysis

Question 6

What is electrolysis

Answer 6

The process of decomposing ionic compounds into their elements by passing a direct electric current through the compound in a fluid form