Extraction of metals

Question 1

What is oxidation and reduction (in terms of oxygen)

Answer 1

• Oxidation = gain of oxygen
• Reduction = loss of oxygen

Question 2

Why are metals found as ores?

Answer 2

• Due to the abundance of oxygen in our atmosphere, almost all of the metals will have come into contact with it
• Unless a metal is very unreactive (like gold), it will react with oxygen to form a metal oxide

Question 3

What is reduction with carbon?

Answer 3

• React metal oxide with carbon
• Carbon will displace metal in metal oxide and form metal + CO2
• Only works on metals less reactive than carbon (transition metals)