4.4.1.3 - Extraction of metals and reduction

What are most metals found like?

Most metals are found as compounds that require chemical reactions to extract the metal

Why is gold found in the Earth as itself and not a compound?

Because it is largely unreactive

What is the reaction that separates a metal from its oxide called?

A reduction reaction

How are metal ores formed?

Through oxidation (the gain of oxygen)

How are metals extracted from their ores?

Through reduction (the loss of oxygen)

How can metals less reactive than carbon be extracted from their oxides?

Metals less reactive than carbon can be extracted from their oxides by reduction with carbon.

How does reduction with carbon work?

In this reaction, the ore is reduced as oxygen is removed from it and carbon gains oxygen

So the metal is reduced and the carbon is oxidised

How are metals higher than carbon in the reactivity series extracted?

Using electrolysis

Why can only metals below carbon in the reactivity series be extracted by reduction using carbon?

Carbon can only take the oxygen away from metals which are less reactive than carbon itself

Displacement reaction will only occur if carbon is the more reactive substance