Extraction of Metals Flashcards
What is an ore?
A natural substance that a metal can be economically extracted from
Which types of metals are often found in ores?
Sulfides or oxides
Why is sulfur dioxide bad?
It causes acid rain which can damage limestone buildings, harm aquatic life and plants.
What does ‘roasting’ mean?
Ore is heated in plenty of air (oxygen)
What is reduction?
Gain of electrons
What is a reducing agent?
Something that donates electrons and gets oxidised
What is oxidation?
Loss of electrons
What is an oxidising agent?
Something that accepts electrons and gets reduced
Balanced equation of the reduction of iron(III) oxide using carbon monoxide
Fe2O3 (s)+ 3CO(g) → 2Fe(l)+ 3CO2 (g)
Where does the reduction of metal oxides take place in?
Blast furnace
What do the roman numerals after an element show? E.g. Copper(II) oxide
The oxidation state of that element in that particular compound
Define oxidation state (AKA oxidation number)
Total number of electrons an element has donated or accepted
Balanced equation of the reduction of manganese(IV) oxide using carbon (as coke)
MnO2 (s) + C(s) → Mn (l) + CO2 (g)
Why is carbon not used for the reduction of aluminium?
Aluminium is too reactive and requires very high temperatures for the reduction, making it too expensive
How is aluminium extracted from its ore?
Electrolysis