Table of Contents
IGCSE Coordinated Science: Extraction of metal
1 Describe the use of carbon in the extraction of some metals from their ores.
In case of iron, the oxides are reduced by reaction with Carbon and/or Carbon Monoxide.
2 Describe the essential reactions in the extraction of iron in the blast furnace.
Coke (Carbon), Haematite (Iron II Oxide), and Limestone (Calcium Carbonate) is needed.
- Step 1: Through burning of coke, carbon dioxide is produced.
C+ O2 —> CO2
- Step 2: The carbon dioxide reacts with more carbon to form carbon monoxide.
CO2 + C—-> 2CO
- Step 3: Iron II Oxide reacts with carbon monoxide to produce iron and carbon dioxide.
Fe2O3+3CO—> 2Fe + 2CO2
Limestone is added to remove impurities in molten iron. Limestone breaks down when heated to give calcium oxide that reacts with the impurities in molten iron to produce slag.
3 Relate the method of extraction of a metal from its ore to its position in the reactivity series.
How a metal is extracted from its ore depends very heavily on its reactivity.
For elements
- potassium
- sodium
- calcium
- magnesium
- aluminium
ELECTROLYSIS is used.
“Carbon”
For elements:
- zinc
- iron
- tin
- lead
Extracted by reaction with carbon or carbon monoxide
“Hydrogen”
- copper
- silver
- gold
- platinum
Extracted through various chemical reactions.
