Separating Metals from Metal Oxides

What is an oxidation reaction?

When a substance reacts with oxygen

What does a metal form when it is oxidised?

A metal oxide

What is a reduction reaction?

When a substance loses oxygen

When mined from the ground, what form are metals normally found in?

They are usually bonded to other elements, often oxygen, therefore called oxidised metals (ores)

What are the 2 ways that metals can be extracted from their ores?

1. Reduction with carbon

2. Electrolysis

Which metals can be reduced with carbon?

Metals the are less reactive than carbon such as zinc and iron

Describe how metals ores can be reduced using carbon

1. React the metal ore with carbon

2. Carbon will displace the metal as it is more reactive

What is the balanced symbol equation for the reduction of FeO with carbon?

2FeO + C → 2Fe + CO2

Why do some metals not require extraction?

Because they are so unreactive that they exist as pure metals

What is the order of metals in the reactivity series?

Potassium
Sodium
Lithium
Calcium
Magnesium
Carbon
Zinc
Iron
Copper

Which metals are reduced using carbon?

Zinc
Iron
Copper

Which metals are reduced by electrolysis?

Potassium
Sodium
Lithium
Calcium
Magnesium