C1 Topic 4 - Obtaining And Using Metals Flashcards
Main uses of metals?
- Bridges because of it’s strength and bendiness.
- Saucepans because of conducting heat.
- Electrical wires because it conducts electricity.
Properties and uses of Aluminium?
- Has low density and is corrosion resistant.
- Good for use on aircrafts.
Properties and uses of copper?
- Hard, strong and has a high melting point.
- It is a good conductor of electricity so it is good for electrical wires.
What are the main properties of metals?
- strong but malleable
- conducts electricity
- conducts heat
What is oxidation?
Gain of oxygen.
What is reduction?
Loss of oxygen.
What type of reaction is the extraction of a metal from it’s ore?
A reduction reaction.
How are metals reduced from their ores?
Metals are reduced by either heating with carbon, e.g. iron. Or electrolysis, e.g. aluminium.
How are unreactive metals found in the earth?
Uncombined elements.
What are the advantages of recycling metals?
It uses less resources. It uses less energy. It uses less money. It makes less rubbish.
Why are alloys harder than pure metals?
When a smaller atom is added to a regular structure of atoms it disrupts it. The layers can no longer slide over each other, this makes it harder.
What is a smart alloy.
A smart alloy can return to it’s original shape. E.g. Nitinol, which is an alloy of nickel and titanium. It goes back to it’s original shape once heated.
