Exrating copper ores and metal uses

Question 1

What is smelting?

Answer 1

Smelting - 80% of copper is produced this way

• heat copper ore strongly in a furnace with air
• Then use electrolysis to purify the copper
• Expensive as needs of heat and electricity

Question 2

What is copper sulphate?

Answer 2

• Add sulphuric acid to a copper ore

- Produces copper sulphate

Question 3

What is phytomining?

Answer 3

• Plants absorb copper ions from a low grade ore
• Plants are burned
• Copper ions dissolved by adding sulphuric acid
• Use displacement or electrolysis to extract pure copper

Question 4

What is bioleaching?

Answer 4

• Bacteria feed on low grade ore
• The produce a waste product that contain copper ions
• Use electrolysis or displacement to extract pure copper

Question 5

What is a transition metals?

Answer 5

Found in the central block of the periodic table

Question 6

Properties of transition metals?

Answer 6

Good conductors of electricity/energy
Strong
Malleable - easily bent into shape

Question 7

Uses of transition metals?

Answer 7

Buildings
Transport
Heating systems
Electrical wiring

Question 8

How is a Bronze alloy made - properties of bronze alloy?

Answer 8

Bronze = copper + tin

• Tough
• Resistant to corrosion

Question 9

How is a Gold alloy made - what is it used in?

Answer 9

Copper is usually added to gold to make alloy

Gold alloys are used in jewellery to make them last longer