Decomposition Reactions and Metal Extraction

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to decomposition reactions and the extraction of metals, based on the provided lecture notes.

Decomposition reaction

A chemical reaction where a compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances.

Endothermic reaction

A reaction that requires the input of energy, usually in the form of heat, light, or electricity.

Electrolysis

A process that uses electricity to decompose a compound into its components.

Metal hydroxide decomposition

The process where metal hydroxides decompose upon heating to form metal oxides and water.

Metal carbonate decomposition

The reaction where metal carbonates decompose upon heating to produce metal oxides and carbon dioxide.

Smelting

The process of extracting metals from their ores by heating and melting.

Thermal decomposition

A type of decomposition reaction where heat is used to break down a compound.

Reactivity series

A list that ranks metals based on their reactivity from most reactive to least reactive.

Calcium carbonate decomposition

The reaction where calcium carbonate decomposes to form calcium oxide and carbon dioxide.

Limewater test

A method to confirm the presence of carbon dioxide by observing cloudiness in limewater.

Slag

A byproduct formed from the reaction of calcium oxide with silica during metal extraction.

Rhodium

One of the rarest and most valuable precious metals used in catalytic converters.

Ores

Naturally occurring solid materials from which a metal can be obtained economically.