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4. The method used to extract a metal from its ore depends on the position of the metal in the reactivity series - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry Combined Science - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 4
4. The method used to extract a metal from its ore depends on the position of the metal in the reactivity series. (a) Aluminium is extracted from its ore by electro... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:4. The method used to extract a metal from its ore depends on the position of the metal in the reactivity series - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry Combined Science - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain why this method is used to extract aluminium from its ore.
Answer
Aluminium is extracted by electrolysis due to its high position in the reactivity series, indicating that it is very reactive. This means that it cannot be effectively reduced using carbon or other reducing agents. The method of electrolysis provides the necessary energy to overcome the strong bonds in aluminium oxide, allowing for the extraction of aluminium metal.
Step 2
Explain why this displacement reaction can be described as a redox reaction.
Answer
This displacement reaction can be described as a redox reaction because it involves both reduction and oxidation processes. In this reaction, magnesium (Mg) is oxidized, as it loses electrons to form Mg²⁺ ions, while titanium (Ti) is reduced, as it gains electrons to go from Ti⁴⁺ to Ti. This transfer of electrons is characteristic of redox reactions, where one species is oxidized and another is reduced.