11.1.1

Extracting Metals

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Extraction of Metals

Most metals are only found as compounds because the metal has reacted with other elements in the past. Because of this, the metal has to be extracted from the ore (rock) where the metal compound is found.

Illustrative background for Why is carbon used to extract metals?Illustrative background for Why is carbon used to extract metals? ?? "content

Why is carbon used to extract metals?

  • Reducing a metal with carbon will result in the extraction of the metal if the metal is lower in the reactivity series than carbon.
  • Carbon is used because it is cheap and abundant.
Illustrative background for How is carbon used to extract metals?Illustrative background for How is carbon used to extract metals? ?? "content

How is carbon used to extract metals?

  • In the reduction, the metal oxide loses oxygen to form a pure metal.
  • Reduction with carbon normally involves heating the metal oxide in the presence of the carbon, which is often used in the form of coal.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

3Atomic Structure

4The Periodic Table

5Chemical Formulae, Equations & Calculations

6Bonding

7Electrolysis

8Groups of the Periodic Table

9The Atmosphere

10Reactivity Series

11Metal Extraction

12Acids & Alkalis

13Chemical Tests

14Physical Chemistry

15Organic Chemistry

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