Unit 2 Metal extraction

Question 1

How is iron extracted

Answer 1

By carbon reduction in a blast furnace

Fe(2)O(3) + 3CO –> 2Fe + 3CO(2)

Question 2

Describe the extraction of aluminium and give an equation

Answer 2

Electrolysis of purified aluminium oxide, the ore is crushed and sodium oxide is used to extract the aluminium oxide from the ore

Overall:
2Al(2)O3 –> 4Al + 3O(2)

Question 3

What’s the equation for the positive electrode in aluminium extraction

Answer 3

2O(2) –> O2 + 4E-

Question 4

What is the equation for the negative electrode for aluminium extraction

Answer 4

Al(3+) + 3E- —> Al

Question 5

How is titanium extracted ? Give the equations which are necessary

Answer 5

Titanium is extracted by reduction from a more reactive metal (either sodium of magnesium)

Titanium oxide is converted into titanium chloride using chlorine and carbon at 900*c

TiO(2) + C + 2Cl(2) –> TiCl(4) + CO2

Question 6

What is the equation for the reduction of titanium chloride to pure titanium and the conditions

Answer 6

600*c
Atmosphere of Argon gas to prevent air from reacting with the titanium

Sodium:
TiCl4 + 4Na –> Ti + 4NaCl

Magnesium
TiCl4 + 2Mg –> Ti + 2MgCl2

Question 7

What are the pros of the blast furnace and electrolysis over reduction

Answer 7

Titanium extraction is batch process while electrolysis and carbon reduction are continuous processes

Question 8

What are the three forms of metal extraction; give an example for each one

Answer 8

1) carbon reduction (iron)
2) electrolysis (aluminium)
3) displacement (more reactive metals such as titanium)