C4 Extracting Metals and Equilibria Flashcards
1
Q
How can you extract metal?
A
- Reduction by carbon
- Electrolysis
2
Q
Why do we use electrolysis to extract metals?
A
The metal is more reactive than carbon so it can’t displace the oxygen
3
Q
What is a disadvantage of electrolysis?
A
It’s expensive as it needs electricity
4
Q
What is bioleaching?
A
Where bacteria separate metals from their ores by breaking bonds between atoms in the ore, separating out the metal from the ore. The leachate contains the metal ions which can be extracted by displacement or electrolysis
5
Q
What is phytoextraction?
A
Where you grow plants in soil that contains metal compounds. The metals gradually build up on the leaves. The plant is then burnt and the metal can be extracted by electrolysis or displacement in the ash
