Extraction of metals

• An electrochemical cell is used to make electricity. Multiple cells joined together are technically called a battery
• Metals above zinc in the reactivity series are too reactive to be extracted by heating with carbon monoxide gas
• Ore


  Naturally occurring metal compound from which a metal can be extracted
• Methods of Extraction

  • Heat alone - Unreactive metals (Au, Ag)
  • Heat + Carbon - Fairly reactive metals (Fe, Zn)
  • Electrolysis - Reactive metals (Al, Mg, Na)
• Electrically conducting solutions containing ions are known as electrolytes
• Electrolysis is the decomposition of an ionic compound into its elements using electricity
• Metals found in the earth's crust

  • Unreactive and bound uncombined
  • Found in the ground
  • Combined with other elements in the form of ionic compounds called ores
• Extraction of metals

  1. Method of extraction depends on the position of the metal in the reactivity series

  2. Less reactive metal is easier to extract

  3. Extraction of metals from ores is an example of a reduction reaction
• Positive ions gain electrons at the negative electrode and negative ions lose electrons at the positive electrode
• Some metals can be extracted by heating with carbon such as zinc, tin, and iron from their corresponding oxides
• Electrolysis

  1. Very reactive metals are strongly bonded in their ores and cannot be extracted by carbon/carbon monoxide

  2. Uses electricity to break down the metal ions in the ore
• A simple battery consists of different cells connected by an electrolyte. An electrode is needed to complete the circuit