This question is about metals - AQA - GCSE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2015 - Paper 1
Question 4
This question is about metals.
Figure 4 shows the metals used to make pylons and the wires of overhead cables.
Figure 5
Stage 1
mined
ore
Stage 2
separated
metal... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:This question is about metals - AQA - GCSE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2015 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain why Stage 2 needs to be done.
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Answer
Stage 2 is necessary because the ore often contains impurities or other compounds that need to be removed to ensure a pure metal compound is obtained. This step ensures the separation of the metal from unwanted materials, allowing for a more effective extraction process.
Step 2
Give one reason why.
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Answer
Cast iron is brittle, which makes it unsuitable for the strength requirements of pylons.
Step 3
Describe how cast iron is converted into steel.
Use Figure 6 to help you answer this question.
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In the conversion of cast iron into steel, oxygen is introduced into the furnace containing cast iron. The oxygen reacts with the carbon present in the cast iron, reducing its percentage. As a result, carbon dioxide is produced as a waste gas, and the remaining metal is transformed into steel.
Step 4
State one property that makes aluminium more suitable than copper for overhead cables.
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Aluminium has a lower density, making it lighter and easier to handle in overhead cable applications.
Step 5
How can you tell that copper is a transition metal and aluminium is not a transition metal from the position of each metal in the periodic table?
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Copper is located in the central block of the periodic table, specifically in Group 3, indicating it is a transition metal. In contrast, aluminium is positioned outside this block, confirming it is not classified as a transition metal.
Step 6
Explain why.
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Answer
Iron is more reactive than copper, which allows it to displace copper from copper salts during the extraction process. This reactivity makes iron a suitable reducing agent in this scenario.