Extraction and Uses of Metals

What is meant by the term ‘ore’?

An ore is a rock containing enough metal to make it economically worth extracting.

How would you expect calcium to be extracted from its ore?

Calcium is above carbon in the reactivity series, which means it cannot be extracted using a displacement reaction with carbon. It is instead extracted using electrolysis, which uses electricity to break down ionic compounds into simpler substances.

Write a word equation and balanced symbol equation for the extraction of iron from iron oxide by reduction with carbon.

What does reduction mean?

Reduction means the gain of electrons or the loss of oxygen.

Describe some of the properties and uses of aluminium.

Aluminium has a low density so it is used as a material for aeroplanes and bicycles. It also has a protective outer layer of aluminium oxide, preventing it from corrosion. These properties make aluminium a good material to use in wrapping food and for drinks cans.

Describe how the properties of copper make it a useful material for electrical wiring.

Copper is a good conductor of heat and electricity which makes it a useful material for electrical wiring.

Why are alloys harder than pure metals?

Alloys are mixtures of two or more elements, where at least one element is a metal. The addition of another atoms of varying size disrupts the regular arrangement of atoms and makes it more difficult for the layers of atoms to slide over each other. The more difficult it is for the layers to move, the stronger the metal.