Extracting iron and copper

• What does the reactivity series show?

  It shows metals in order of reactivity.
• How is the reactivity of a metal related to its tendency to form positive ions?

  A more reactive metal tends to form positive ions more easily.
• What are iron and aluminium extracted from?

  They are extracted from their ores.
• What is an unreactive substance?

  An unreactive substance does not easily take part in chemical reactions.
• What is a metal?

  A metal is a shiny element that is a good conductor of electricity and heat.
• Where are most metals found?

  Most metals are found combined with other elements to form compounds.
• What is an ore?

  An ore is a rock containing enough quantities of a mineral for extraction to be possible.
• What is the process of extraction?

  Extraction is the process of obtaining a metal from a mineral, usually by reduction or electrolysis.
• What determines the extraction method used for a metal?

  The extraction method depends upon the metal's position in the reactivity series.
• What is electrolysis?

  Electrolysis is the decomposition of a compound using an electric current.
• Why is electrolysis considered expensive?

  Because large amounts of electrical energy are needed to perform it.
• How can a metal less reactive than carbon be extracted?

  By heating it with carbon.
• What is an example of a metal that can be extracted by heating with carbon?

  Copper is an example of this.
• How does copper mostly occur in nature?

  Copper mostly occurs as sulfide ores.
• What happens to copper sulfide ores when heated in air?

  They are converted to copper(II) oxide.
• What is the reaction to produce molten copper from copper oxide?

  Copper oxide + carbon → copper + carbon dioxide.
• What is reduction in a chemical reaction?

  Reduction is the loss of oxygen, gain of electrons, or gain of hydrogen by a substance.
• What is oxidation in a chemical reaction?

  Oxidation is the gain of oxygen or loss of electrons by a substance.
• What is a redox reaction?

  A redox reaction occurs when reduction and oxidation take place at the same time.
• What is the extraction method for iron from iron(III) oxide?

  • Iron(III) oxide is reduced to molten iron when it reacts with carbon.
  • The reaction produces carbon monoxide.
  • The equation is:

  $Fe_2O_3(s) +$$3C(s) → 2Fe(l) +$$3CO(g)$
• Why can carbon displace iron from iron compounds?

  Because carbon is more reactive than iron.
• What is the advantage of extracting a metal by heating with carbon compared to electrolysis?

  It is cheaper than using electrolysis.
• In the reaction of iron(III) oxide with carbon, which substance is oxidised?


  Carbon is oxidised.
• In the reaction of iron(III) oxide with carbon, which substance is reduced?

  Iron(III) oxide is reduced.
• What are the extraction methods used for different metals?

  • Electrolysis for highly reactive metals.
  • Heating with carbon for less reactive metals.
  • Reduction methods for metals like iron.