Extracting metals Flashcards
What are ores?
Naturally occurring rocks that contain metal or metal compounds in sufficient amounts to make it worthwhile extracting them.
What are most everyday metals called?
They are mixtures called alloys.
Where is gold, iron oxide and aluminium oxide found?
The Earth’s crust
What needs to happen to a metal ore before metal can be extracted from it?
It needs to be mined and concentrated before the metal is extracted and then purified.
How are metals produced?
The metal oxides need to reduced (have their oxygen removed)
How are reactive metals such as aluminium extracted?
Electrolysis.
How are unreactive metals such as iron extracted?
By reaction with carbon or carbon monoxide
What does the method of extraction of a metal depend on?
It’s position in the reactivity series.
What happens because gold is so unreactive?
It is a native metal, it does not need to be extracted from it’s ore. Although, chemical reactions may be needed to remove other elements that might contaminate the metal.
Where can transition metals be found on the periodic table?
In a large block between groups 2 and 3.
What are the properties of transition metals?
They are good conductors of heat and electricity.
They can be hammered or bent into shape easily.
They are useful as building materials.
How is iron extracted from it’s ore?
In a huge container called a blast furnace.
Why must oxygen be removed from iron oxide?
To leave the iron behind.
What are reactions called where oxygen is removed?
Reduction Reactions
What are the properties of copper?
It is soft and easily bent and is therefore a good conductor of electricity. It is also a good conductor of heat and does not react with water.
