extraction of metals Flashcards
(6 cards)
1
Q
two methods of extracting metals
A
- reduction reaction with carbon (for metals less reactive than carbon)
- electrolysis (for metals more reactive than carbon)
2
Q
why is pure gold found, but not pure iron
A
gold is unreactive, so it does not react with other elements
iron is reactive enough to react with oxygen so is oxidised to iron oxide
3
Q
what is reduction
A
loss of oxygen / gain of electrons
4
Q
what is oxidation
A
gain of oxygen / loss of electrons
5
Q
is seperation of solids time consuming and expensive
A
yessir
6
Q
why are alloys harder than pure metals
A
the different elements have slightly different sized atoms
this breaks up the regular lattice arrangement and makes it more difficult for layers of ions to slide over each other
