Chapter 5.3 Extracting metals

Question 1

Name the most reactive metals in order.

Answer 1

• Potassium
• Sodium
• Magnesium
• Aluminium
• (Carbon)
• Zinc
• Iron
• Tin
• Lead
• (Hydrogen)
• Copper
• Silver
• Gold
• Platinum

Question 2

What does a metal ore contain enough of?

Answer 2

A metal ore contains enough of the metals to make it economic to extract the metal.

Question 3

What happens to ores when they are mined?

Answer 3

Ores are mined and might need to be concentrated before the metal is extracted and purified.

Question 4

What does the reactivity series help you decide?

Answer 4

The reactivity series helps you decide the best way to extract a metal from its ore.

Question 5

What can happen to the oxides of metals below carbon in the series?

Answer 5

The oxides of metals below carbon in the series can be reduced by carbon to give the metal element.

Question 6

Less reactive metals than carbon can be extracted from their oxides by heating with carbon. In general: (what is the equation?)

Answer 6

Metal oxide + carbon ===> Metal + carbon dioxide