Metals Flashcards
What is reactivity?
The relative tendency of metal atoms to form cations
What is a displacement reaction?
A reaction where a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal in a compound
What is a metal ore?
How metals are found in the Earth’s core. A rock containing enough metal or metal compound to be economic to extract
How are unreactive metals found in the Earth’s core? (e.g. gold)
as uncombined elements
What is an oxidation reaction? (in terms of oxygen)
a reaction where oxygen is gained
What is a reduction reaction? (in terms of oxygen)
a reaction where oxygen is lost
How are metals lower than carbon in the reactivity series extracted?
By heating with carbon to reduce the ore
What are some of the problems with extracting metals by heating with carbon?
Produces carbon dioxide which is a greenhouse gas
Why can’t reactive metals be extracted by heating with carbon?
If the metal is more reactive than carbon, carbon cannot displace it in the reaction.
How are reactive metals extracted?
Using electrolysis
What are some of the problems with electrolysis?
Requires large amounts of electricity which is expensive
What is phytoextraction?
Extraction of metals from ores using certain types of plants
What are the advantages of bacterial or phytoextraction?
It is possible to extract metals from ores with a very small amount of metal which would normally not be economical to extract. These methods are better for the environment.
What are the disadvantages of bacterial or phytoextraction?
The process is very slow
What is an oxidation reaction (in terms of electrons)?
A reaction where electrons are lost
