Metals and alloys Flashcards
Understand how copper can be extracted
by heating its ore with carbon
Describe reduction
the removal of oxygen from a substance
how can copper be purified?
by electrolysis
Explain why recycling copper is cheaper than
extracting copper from its ore
- saves resources
* uses less energy
what are alloys?
mixtures containing one or more metal elements
Give exams of alloys
brass, bronze, solder, steel, and amalgam
Recall one important large scale use for each of the
following alloys
• amalgam used in tooth fillings
• brass used in musical instruments, coins and
door decorations e.g. door knockers
• solder used to join electrical wires
Explain some of the advantages and disadvantages
of recycling copper
- it can be difficult to sort different metals ready for recycling
- saves resources
Recall the main metals in each of the following alloys:
• amalgam
• brass
• solder
- amalgam – mercury
- brass – copper and zinc
- solder – lead and tin.
Describe the use of electrolysis in the purification of
copper:
- impure copper as anode
- pure copper as cathode
- copper(II) sulfate solution as electrolyte
- cathode gains mass because copper is deposited
- anode loses mass as copper dissolves
Explain why the electrolytic purification of copper
involves both oxidation and reduction:
• Cu2+ + 2e– → Cu as an example of reduction
because electrons are gained
• Cu – 2e– → Cu2+ as an example of oxidation
because electrons are lost.
Explain how the use of ‘smart alloys’ such as those
with a shape memory property have increased the
number of applications of alloys
nitinol (nickel and titanium) used to make
spectacle frames as the frames will return to their
original shape after bending
