Chemistry in Industry Flashcards
The more reactive a metal is…
…the harder it is to extract from a compound.
Metal Ore
A compound that contains enough of the metal to make it worthwhile extracting.
How are metals separated from their oxide?
A reduction reaction. The ore is heated with carbon monoxide.
What is mostly used to separate metals from their oxide?
Carbon which acts as the reducing agent
Why can’t carbon be used to separate all metals from their oxides?
Only metals that are less reactive than carbon can be used
What is used to extract metals that are more reactive than carbon?
Electrolysis
What is aluminium’s main ore
Bauxite
What does bauxite look like?
White powder
Why is extracting aluminium expensive?
- lots of electricity needed for electrolysis
- lots of energy needed to heat electrolyte mixture to 900°C
- anode needs frequent replacement
What is iron extracted from?
Haematite
What are the raw materials and their purposes for iron extraction?
Iron ore - to extract the iron from
Coke - almost pure carbon to reduce the iron ore Limestone - removes impurities
