Extraction and Uses of metals

Sources of metals?

• Gold- unreactive metal- has to be dug up

• most metals do react with other elements- can be found in the Earth’s crust

• a compound has enough of the metal- worthwhile extracting- metal ores.

• The more reactive the metal the harder it is to extract from a compound.

Methods of extraction and how it works?

• Electrolysis- Uses electricity to separate the metal from other elements in the compound.

• Reduction reaction with carbon- heating the ore with CO (carbon monoxide)

Which metals are extracted using electrolysis?

• Potassium

• Sodium

• Calcium

• Magnesium

• Aluminum

Which metals are extracted using a reduction reaction with carbon?

• Zinc

• Iron

• Tin

• Copper

• Silver

Uses of aluminium?

• aircraft bodies- high-strength

• saucepans- good conductor of heat & unreactive

• overhead electrical cables- good conductor of electricity

• food cans- non-toxic, resistant to corrosion

Uses of copper

• Electrical wiring- good conductor of electricity & ductile

• Saucepans- good conductor of heat, unreactive, malleable

• Water pipes- unreactive, non-toxic

Uses of Iron

• Building material- good strength, malleable and ductile

• Catalyst

Alloy?

Mixture of two or more metals or metal with a non-metal (carbon)

Alloys are harder than pure metals because?

• atoms of different sizes

• distorts the regular arrangements of atoms