MET E 1610/1630 Introduction to Extractive Metallurgy (Notes Review)

A set of practice Q&A flashcards covering core concepts from the lecture notes on extractive metallurgy, the periodic table, and the monetary value of metals.

What is extractive metallurgy?

The branch of metallurgical engineering concerned with separating valuable minerals or metals from specific resources (such as run-of-mine ores and recyclable materials) and recovering them into saleable products.

Why is extractive metallurgy important for society?

It helps meet societal challenges by improving resource processing efficiency, reducing energy use, and enabling purer resource products at lower cost with a smaller environmental footprint.

What would life look like without metals?

There would be no electricity, motors, lights, cars, planes, trains, tall buildings, cell phones, TVs, or computers; essentially we would be living in the stone age.

Name some of society's greatest technological and materials challenges.

Improved medical technology and devices; clean energy and water production and storage; more efficient transportation; reduced waste and improved recycling; improved electronic devices; reduced environmental footprint.

How can you help meet these challenges?

By improving resource processing efficiency, reducing energy required for processing, developing technologies to produce purer resource products at lower cost and environmental footprint, and producing products to support a cleaner, modern world.

What determines the cost of a metal?

Availability (supply) and manufacturability (ease of production).

Where are the most reactive metals located on the periodic table?

On the far left side—the alkali and alkaline earth metals.

What is the general trend of metal density on the periodic table?

Density generally increases toward the bottom center of the table (toward heavier, transition/post-transition metals).

Which colors denote nonmetals in the periodic-table slides?

Red, orange, and yellow elements are nonmetals.

What is the scope of extractive metallurgy as defined in the notes?

Separation of valuable minerals or metals from resources (run-of-mine ores and recyclable materials) and their recovery into saleable raw material products.

How is the course structure described in Page 9?

The Course Syllabus and Website provide the answers about the course.

What does MEC stand for?

Minerals Education Coalition.

What does the notes say about the basis for metal uses and cost?

Uses are based on properties and cost; cost is driven by availability and manufacturability.

What does the monetary value table illustrate?

Estimated worldwide production, metal price, and total value (price × production) for each metal in 2020.

What is the bulk cost of Gold per 100 g in the notes?

5000 US dollars per 100 g.

Which metal has the highest production volume in the 2020 data listed?

Iron/steel, with about 1,800,000,000 metric tons produced.

What is a common use of copper?

Wiring, radiators, tubing, and various alloys.

What are common uses of aluminum listed in the notes?

Cans and foils; kitchen utensils; outdoor building decorations; industrial alloys; aircraft parts; automobile parts.

Which metal has a bulk cost of 13000 $/100g?

Rhodium.

What is the most used metal in steel alloys?

Iron.

What two websites are cited as sources for element data in the notes?

webelements.com and chemicool.com.

What scale is used to rate hardness in the element property tables?

Mohs hardness scale.

Name a major use of platinum (Pt) as listed in the notes.

Electrical contacts, catalysts, jewelry, dentistry, thermocouples, and petroleum-related applications.

What is the primary use of iron/Fe?

It is the primary element in all steel alloys and the most used metal.

Which organization is cited as the source for per-capita mineral use data (Page 6)?

The Mineral Information Institute (MII).