TOPIC 2 - Extraction of metals

How do you extract a metal?

The ore or compound of the metal must undergo reduction.

Extraction: metals that are less reactive than carbon (iron)

: Only metals that are LESS reactive than carbon can be extracted by a reduction reaction with carbon.
- They can be extracted by heating the oxide with carbon/carbon monoxide.

Extraction: metals that are more reactive than carbon (aluminum)

: Metals that are MORE reactive than carbon are usually extracted by electrolysis.

Ores

: Most metals are extracted from ores (rocks) found in the earth's crust.
: Ores are rocks that contain metals that are economically viable to extract.

Native metals

: Some unreactive metals can be found as elements - they are called native metals.