Extraction of Metals (Cambridge O Level Chemistry)

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Alexandra Brennan

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Extraction of Metals

  • The Earth’s crust contains metals and metal compounds such as gold, copper, iron oxide and aluminium oxide
  • Useful metals are often chemically combined with other substances forming ores
  • A metal ore is a rock that contains enough of the metal to make it worthwhile extracting
  • They have to be extracted from their ores through processes such as electrolysis, using a blast furnace or by reacting with more reactive material
  • In many cases the ore is an oxide of the metal, therefore the extraction of these metals is a reduction process since oxygen is being removed
  • Common examples of oxide ores are iron and aluminium ores which are called hematite and bauxite respectively
  • Unreactive metals do not have to be extracted chemically as they are often found as the uncombined element
  • This occurs as they do not easily react with other substances due to their chemical stability
  • They are known as native metals and examples include gold and platinum which can both be mined directly from the Earth’s crust
  • The position of the metal on the reactivity series influences the method of extraction
  • Those metals placed higher up on the series (above carbon) have to be extracted using electrolysis
  • Metals lower down on the series can be extracted by heating with carbon

The Extraction Method Depends on the Position of a Metal in the Reactivity Series

9-3-1-extraction-of-metals

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Alexandra Brennan

Author: Alexandra Brennan

Expertise: Chemistry

Alex studied Biochemistry at Newcastle University before embarking upon a career in teaching. With nearly 10 years of teaching experience, Alex has had several roles including Chemistry/Science Teacher, Head of Science and Examiner for AQA and Edexcel. Alex’s passion for creating engaging content that enables students to succeed in exams drove her to pursue a career outside of the classroom at SME.