separating metals from metal oxides

metal oxides are often ores that metals need to be extracted from

how is a metal ore formed?

• oxidation

  • gain of oxygen

what is a reaction separating the metal from its oxide called?

• reduction reaction

  • loss of oxygen

how are metals higher than carbon on the reactivity series extracted?

electrolysis (expensive)

how can metals below carbon in the reactivity series be extracted?

• reduction using carbon

  • can only take oxygen from metals less reactive than itself

how can metals below carbon on the reactivity series be extracted by reduction with carbon?

• oxygen removed from ore

• carbon gains oxygen