STUDENT SPACE · TOPIC 1

Choosing an extraction method

Use reactivity to select and explain an extraction method.

The essentials

An ore contains enough of a useful substance to make extraction worthwhile. Many metal ores contain compounds.
Metals above carbon require a more powerful extraction method, commonly electrolysis of a molten compound.
Iron(III) oxide loses oxygen. Carbon monoxide gains oxygen and acts as the reducing agent.

Try each question before opening its hint or answer. Use paper for calculations and diagrams.

Why can gold sometimes be obtained without chemical reduction?

Need a hint for Question 1?

Locate the metal relative to carbon. Decide whether chemical reduction by carbon is possible.

Check Question 1

Gold is very unreactive and may occur as the uncombined element.

Choose an extraction method for aluminium and for zinc oxide. Explain each choice.

Need a hint for Question 2?

Locate each metal relative to carbon.

Check Question 2

Aluminium: electrolysis. Zinc oxide: reduction by carbon or CO, because zinc is below carbon.

In CuO + CO → Cu + CO₂, identify the substance reduced and the reducing agent.

Need a hint for Question 3?

Track oxygen transfer between the reactants.

Check Question 3

CuO is reduced. CO is the reducing agent and is oxidised.

Use Lesson 1 in your worksheet for written practice. Your teacher will discuss those answers in class.