Separating metals from oxides

What is the main ore of iron called?

Hematite (Fe₂O₃)

What is reduction in terms of oxygen?

The removal of oxygen from a compound.

Write the equation for the reduction of iron(III) oxide using carbon.

Fe₂O₃ + 3C → 2Fe + 3CO₂

Why is carbon used to extract metals from their ores?

It is cheap and can reduce metals below it in the reactivity series.

What is an ore?

A rock containing enough metal to make extraction worthwhile.

What is the blast furnace used for?

To extract iron from its ore.

What is the role of limestone in the blast furnace?

To remove impurities by forming slag.

Why is electrolysis used to extract aluminum instead of carbon reduction?

Aluminum is above carbon in the reactivity series.

Write the equation for the reaction of iron(III) oxide with carbon monoxide.

Fe₂O₃ + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO₂

What is slag, and how is it formed in the blast furnace?

It is calcium silicate, formed by the reaction of limestone with impurities.

Why are metals below hydrogen in the reactivity series not extracted from their ores?

They occur naturally as native metals.

What is the environmental impact of metal extraction?

Air pollution, habitat destruction, and greenhouse gas emissions.

What is oxidation in terms of electrons?

Loss of electrons.

What is reduction in terms of electrons?

Gain of electrons.

How does recycling metals benefit the environment?

It reduces the need for mining, saving energy and reducing pollution.