4.7 Obtaining metals

Question 1

Obtaining metals

Answer 1

If a metal is less reactive it can be extracted by reduction of carbon.

If more reactive than carbon, electrolysis can be used, but it is very expensive due to the use of large amounts of energy.

Iron can be heated with carbon. Iron oxide loses oxygen and the carbon gains the oxygen. This can be carried out in a blast furnace.

Aluminium can be extracted by electrolysis. Aluminium is manufactured by the electrolysis of a mixture of aluminium oxide and cryolite using carbon.