Extracting Metals & Reactivity Series Flashcards
What is the reactivity series?
A list of metals arranged by their reactivity with water, acids, and oxygen.
The reactivity series helps predict how metals will react in different chemical environments.
How are metals less reactive than carbon extracted?
By reduction with carbon.
Reduction with carbon involves heating the metal oxide with carbon to displace the metal.
How are metals more reactive than carbon extracted?
By electrolysis.
Electrolysis is a method that uses electrical energy to drive the reaction and separate the metal from its ore.
Define oxidation.
Loss of electrons.
Oxidation reactions often involve the addition of oxygen or the removal of hydrogen.
Define reduction.
Gain of electrons.
Reduction reactions typically involve the addition of hydrogen or the removal of oxygen.
