2e Extraction and uses of metals Flashcards
(7 cards)
1
Q
Where are ores found?
A
In the Earth’s Crust
2
Q
What metals are found native?
A
- Some metals such as gold are found native (chemically uncombined)
3
Q
How are other metals found?
A
- Most metals are found as minerals (naturally occurring metal compounds) in the earth’s crust
4
Q
Why are some metals found as minerals?
A
- When the earth was formed there was such intense heat and pressure that chemical reactions would have caused elements to combine and form metal compounds
- Consequently many useful metals are locked up as metal oxides and metal sulfides. Rocks that contain enough compound to be worthwhile extracting is known as an ore
5
Q
How can you obtain a metal from its ore?
A
- To obtain a metal from its ore, the compound must be split up.
- One method is to heat metal oxides with carbon. If the metal in the compound less reactive than carbon then it will be displaced from its compound
6
Q
What does iron oxide + carbon produce?
A
iron oxide + carbon -> iron + carbon dioxide
- The iron has lost oxygen it has been reduced in a redox reaction.
- The carbon has gained oxygen it has been oxidised in a redox reaction
7
Q
Where is carbon in the reactivity series?
A
- Carbon fits between Aluminium and Zinc in the reactivity series. It will displace any metal below from its compound
