3.5.6 Metal extraction Flashcards
Where are most metals found?
In the earth’s crust as compounds with oxygen and sulphur.
Why are gold and silver found native?
Gold and silver are too unreactive to have combined with oxygen or sulphur, so they are found chemically uncombined or native.
What is a way to extract metals more reactive than carbon?
They cannot be displaced by carbon so electrolysis is used. This is using electricity to break down the ore compounds.
What is a way to extract metals less reactive than carbon?
Metals less reactive than carbon can be displaced by carbon, this is called carbon extraction. The metal ore is heated with carbon and carbon displaces it, leaving pure metal and a carbon compound.
What is a redox reaction?
A redox reaction is when both reduction and oxidation occurs in a reaction.
What is reduction (in terms of oxygen)?
Loss of oxygen
What is the reducing agent (in terms of oxygen)?
Takes the oxygen way from something.
What is oxidation (in terms of oxygen)?
Gains oxygen
What is the oxidising agent (in terms of oxygen)?
Gives oxygen to something else.
