Extracting Metals

Question 1

what is a metal ore?

Answer 1

A rock which contains enough metal to make it worthwhile extracting the metal from it

Question 2

how are most metals extracted?

Answer 2

Chemical reactions are mostly used to extract metals

Question 3

what affects whether a metal is extracted?

Answer 3

1. If the market price of a metal drops, it isn’t worth extracting it in case money is lost
2. Technology improvements make it easier to extract quicker

Question 4

what are the three main ways of extracting metals?

Answer 4

Electrolysis, Reduction and Displacement

Question 5

how does reduction work?

Answer 5

Metals can be extracted from their ore chemically by reduction using carbon. Only elements less reactive than carbon can be extracted using reduction as carbon needs to take their place in a combination of elements and this can only work if it is more reactive

Question 6

how does electrolysis work?

Answer 6

Electrolysis is used with metals more reactive than carbon. Electrolysis is the breaking down of substance using electricity. It requires a liquid to conduct electricity called the electrolyte, the electrolyte has free ions that are good at conducting. Electrons are taken away by the (positive) anode and given away by the (negative) cathode.

Question 7

what are the other two ways in which we can get ores that are in short supply?

Answer 7

Bioleaching and Phytomining

Question 8

what is bioleaching?

Answer 8

Bioleaching use bacteria to separate copper from copper sulphide. The bacteria get energy from the bond between copper and sulphur, separating out the copper from the ore in the process. The leachate (solution produced) contains copper which can be extracted.

Question 9

what is phytomining?

Answer 9

Phytomining involves growing plants in soil that contains copper. The plants can’t use or get rid of the copper so it gradually builds up in the leaves. These plants can then be harvested, dried and burned in a furnace. The copper can be collected from the ash left in the furnace

Question 10

what are the positives of extracting from ores?

Answer 10

1. It provides jobs and money for the area

2. Services such as transport and health can improve

Question 11

what are the negatives of extracting from ores?

Answer 11

1. Its bad for the environment

2. Empty mines can be very dangerous

Question 12

why is recycling metals important?

Answer 12

1. Less landfill sites causing pollution
2. Reduces fossil fuels used in extraction
3. Conserves limited shopping
4. Saves money