Edexcel GCSE Chemistry - Extracting Metals and Equilibria

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding metal reactivity, extraction methods, and environmental implications.

What do the products of a reaction between a reactive metal and cold water form?

A metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

Which metal is known for not reacting with water, acids, or oxygen?

Gold, because it is extremely unreactive.

What signifies that a reaction has taken place when a metal reacts?

The presence of bubbles indicating hydrogen gas production.

In displacement reactions, what happens to a more reactive metal?

It loses electrons and is oxidised to form a cation.

How is oxidation defined in terms of oxygen?

Oxidation is the gain of oxygen.

What happens to a less reactive metal during a displacement reaction?

It gains electrons and is reduced to form atoms.

What is the order of reactivity for metals including potassium to gold?

Potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, carbon, zinc, iron, hydrogen, copper, silver, gold.

Which methods can less reactive metals be extracted from their ores?

By reduction with carbon.

What extraction method is used for metals more reactive than carbon?

Electrolysis.

What are the environmental benefits of recycling metals?

Requires less energy, reduces mining impact, and preserves valuable raw materials.

What does a life cycle assessment consider regarding a product?

The environmental impact of obtaining raw materials, manufacturing, using, and disposing of the product.

What is phytoextraction?

A process where plants absorb metal compounds and concentrate them into shoots and leaves.

How are bacteria used in metal extraction?

Bacteria absorb metal compounds to produce leachates.