The Reactivity Series

Question 1

What can be used to extract a metal from it ore chemically?

Answer 1

Carbon (using carbon).

Question 2

What happens to an ore when it is reduced?

Answer 2

The oxygen is removed from it.

2Fe2O3 + £C → 4Fe + 3CO2

iron (iii) oxide + carobn → iron + carbon dioxide

Question 4

What does the position in the reactivity determine?

Answer 4

Whether it can be extracted by reduction with carbon.

Question 5

The Reactivity Series

Answer 5

Potassium (K)

Sodium (Na)

Calcium (Ca)

Magnesium (Mg)

Aluminium (Al)

Carbon (C)

Zinc (Zn)

Iron (Fe)

Tin (Sn)

Copper (Cu)

Question 6

How are metals higher than carbon extracted from its ore?

Answer 6

Using electrolysis (expensive).

Question 8

How can metals below carbon be extracted from its ore?

Answer 8

Can be extracted by reduction using carbon.

For Example:

iron oxide is reduced in a blast furnace to make iron.

Carbon can only take the oxygen away from metals which are less reactive than carbon itself is.