Chemistry - reactivity series and extraction of metals

what is reduction?

• losing oxygen

• gaining electrons

• oxygen number decreases

• oxidising agent

what is oxidation?

• adding oxygen

• loses electrons

• oxygen number increases

• reducing agent

what is a redox reaction?

it is when both oxidation and reduction takes place in the same chemical reaction

what is the reactivity series in order? (most reactive to least reactive)

potassium

sodium

lithium

calcium

magnesium

aluminum

zinc

tin

lead

copper

silver

gold

platinum

what is put into the blast furnace when extracting iron from its ore?

iron ore, coke and limestone

what is an alloy?

• it is a mixture of a metal, with, usually other metals or carbon

• they are harder that the individual pure metals

• because the different metals/elements have slightly differently sized atoms

• so it makes it more difficult for the layers of ions to slide over each other

what are the uses of aluminium?

planes, electricity cables, and pots and pans

how does aluminium resist corrosion?

it has a very thin but very strong layer of aluminium oxide on the surface

what are the uses of mild steel?

• it is a strong material that is malleable and ductile

• its used for nails, ship building and bridges

what are the uses of stainless steel?

kitchen sinks, saucepans, knives and forks

what are the uses of copper?

• electrical wires - very good conductor of electricity and ductile

• pots and pans - very good conductor of heat

• water pipes - unreactive