Extracting Metals
Chemistry: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 11.1.1
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.
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.
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.
Test yourself on Extracting Metals
What type of reaction is used when extracting metals using carbon?
Why is carbon used to extract metals from their oxides?
Why are zinc, iron, and copper commonly extracted from their oxides by reduction with carbon?
Why can't potassium be extracted from its compounds by reduction with carbon?