metals and alloys

Question 1

where do we find metals?

Answer 1

in the ground

Question 2

what is a native metal? give an example

Answer 2

A native metal is one which is found in its pure state. For example gold is found as nuggets of pure gold

Question 3

Non-native metals are found in ore?

true or false

Answer 3

true

Question 4

what is a metal ore?

Answer 4

A metal ore is a rock containing a metal, or a metal compound, in high enough concentration to make it economic to extract the metal. Most metal ores are metal oxides.

Question 5

what term do we use to describe how we get metals from the ground?

Answer 5

mining

Question 6

What do we have to do to metal ores to make them useful?

Answer 6

we have to get rid of the oxygen from the oxide to make them pure metals

Question 7

what is the name of the process for breaking down the metal called? Where does it take place?

Answer 7

The process is called reduction , it takes place in a furnace or by using electrolosis

Question 8

name 3 properties of metals

Answer 8

shiny
malleable - easily shaped
good conductors of heat and electricity

Question 9

can we use carbon for the reduction of metals ?

from a metal oxide to a metal

Answer 9

yes - as long as it is less reactive than carbon

for example iron oxide melted in a furnace powered by charcoal will become carbon steel

Question 10

What do we mean by the term ‘electrolysis’?

Answer 10

electrolysis is the use of electricity to remove a metal from its ore.

Question 11

what do we mean by the term reduction?

Answer 11

reduction means ‘removal of oxygen’ usually from a metal ore to produce a metal - usually carried out in a blast furnace

Question 12

if a metal is MORE or LESS reactive than carbon we can use carbon to remove the metal from its ore?

Answer 12

carbon can be used to reduce a metal if it is LESS reactive than carbon

Question 13

what is an alloy?

Answer 13

an alloy is a metal combined with another element

Question 14

why do we make alloys rather than just use a metal?

Answer 14

adding another element to a metal changes its properties

eg adding carbon to iron makes it harder and produces steel

Question 15

name three alloys we use every day

Answer 15

• steel - a mixture of iron and carbon - makes the iron stronger
• stainless steel - a mixture of iron and chromium or manganese - makes it so it does not corrode
• gold - only 24carat gold is pure and it is very soft so it is often mixed with silver and copper to make it stronger