Metal Extraction
Year 11 (IGCSE) 🌿 Materials & Environment Describe blast furnace and electrolytic extraction; link to reactivity.
⛏️ Extraction Methods
| Metal | Method | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al | Electrolysis of molten ore | Too reactive for carbon reduction |
| Zn, Fe, Pb | Reduction with coke (carbon) | Carbon can displace these metals |
| Cu, Ag, Au | Found native or simple heating | Unreactive |
🏭 Blast Furnace (Iron)
Key Reactions
$$\text{C} + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{CO}_2 \quad \text{then} \quad \text{CO}_2 + \text{C} \rightarrow 2\text{CO}$$
$$\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 + 3\text{CO} \rightarrow 2\text{Fe} + 3\text{CO}_2$$ Limestone (CaCO₃) removes acidic SiO₂ impurities as slag: CaO + SiO₂ → CaSiO₃.
⚡ Electrolysis of Aluminium
Al₂O₃ dissolved in cryolite (lowers m.p. from 2050°C to 950°C).
Cathode: Al³⁺ + 3e⁻ → Al | Anode: 2O²⁻ → O₂ + 4e⁻ (burns carbon anodes)
Recycling Al uses only ~5% of the energy of electrolysis!
Cathode: Al³⁺ + 3e⁻ → Al | Anode: 2O²⁻ → O₂ + 4e⁻ (burns carbon anodes)
Recycling Al uses only ~5% of the energy of electrolysis!
Ready to test yourself? Click the Quiz tab above to practise questions on this topic!
Interactive Demonstration — Metal Extraction
Choose the correct extraction method based on the metal's reactivity.
Click to select the extraction method.
⛏️ Metal Extraction Guide
Calculate mass of metal extracted from ore and % purity.