Chapter 13: Extraction of metals

Where is the line in the reactivity series that determines whether a metal can be reduced by carbon?

Metals below carbon in the reactivity series (e.g., zinc, iron, lead) can be reduced by carbon. Metals above carbon (e.g., aluminum) must be extracted by electrolysis

What metals can be found in their metallic state in nature?

Metals that are unreactive (e.g., gold, silver, platinum) can be found in their metallic state in nature because they do not react easily with oxygen or other elements

Where is the line in the reactivity series that determines whether a metal can be reduced by carbon?

Metals below carbon in the reactivity series (e.g., zinc, iron, lead) can be reduced by carbon. Metals above carbon (e.g., aluminum) must be extracted by electrolysis

What metals can be found in their metallic state in nature?

Metals that are unreactive (e.g., gold, silver, platinum) can be found in their metallic state in nature because they do not react easily with oxygen or other elements

Why does gold not oxidize?

Gold does not oxidize because it is extremely unreactive. It does not combine easily with oxygen, meaning it remains shiny and metallic in appearance

Do all metals oxidize?

Yes, all metals can oxidize, but unreactive metals like gold and platinum oxidize very slowly or not at all under normal conditions

Which method is used to extract iron from its ore?

Iron is extracted from hematite (iron ore) in a blast furnace by reduction with carbon (in the form of coke)

Trick Question: Why is carbon used to extract aluminum from bauxite?

Incorrect! Aluminum is too reactive to be extracted using carbon. It is extracted by electrolysis of molten aluminum oxide

Explain why aluminum must be extracted by electrolysis and cannot be extracted by reduction with carbon.

Aluminum is above carbon in the reactivity series, so it cannot be reduced by carbon. Instead, it is extracted by electrolysis of molten aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃)

Why does gold occur in its metallic state in nature? Explain whether all metals oxidize.

Gold is highly unreactive and does not oxidize easily, which allows it to remain in its metallic form. Not all metals oxidize easily, but all metals can oxidize under certain conditions

Write the half-equation for the reduction of aluminum ions at the cathode during the electrolysis of aluminum oxide.

Al³⁺ + 3e⁻ → Al