extraction of metal

• The terms 'oxidation' and 'reduction 'can be described either in terms of gain/loss of oxygen, or in terms of gain/loss of electrons. In this topic though, we're only describing them in terms of oxygen. 
• What is the process of gaining oxygen called?

  Oxidation
• What happens when magnesium is combined with oxygen?

  It forms magnesium oxide, indicating oxidation of magnesium
• What does reduction refer to in terms of oxygen?

  Reduction refers to the loss of oxygen
• If magnesium oxide is broken down into magnesium and oxygen, what process is occurring?

  Reduction
• What is iron oxide commonly known as?

  Rust
• Why do most metals on Earth become oxidized?

  Because they come into contact with abundant oxygen in the atmosphere
• Which metal is an exception to oxidation due to its unreactivity?

  Gold
• What is the most common bonding for metals found in nature?

  Bonding to oxygen
• How can we remove oxygen from metal oxides to obtain pure metals?

  By reducing the metal oxides
• What is the cheapest and easiest way to reduce metal oxides?

  Using carbon
• What does carbon do in the reduction of metal oxides?

  It takes oxygen from the metal to form carbon dioxide
• What is the reaction of copper oxide with carbon?

  Copper oxide plus carbon reacts to form copper and carbon dioxide
• Why can't we use carbon to reduce all metals?

  Because it can only reduce metals that are less reactive than carbon
• What is the process called that requires a lot of energy to extract more reactive metals?

  Electrolysis
• What are iron ores?

  Metal-rich compounds from which we can extract iron
• What is the reactivity series and its significance in metal extraction?

  • A list of metals arranged by their reactivity
  • Helps determine which metals can be reduced with carbon
  • Metals less reactive than carbon can be extracted using carbon