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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 electrol... 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 using electrolysis because it is located high in the reactivity series, making it very reactive. It cannot be extracted by reduction with carbon as it requires more energy to reduce than what carbon can provide. The electrolysis process involves breaking down aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) into its elemental components by passing an electric current through molten aluminium oxide, allowing for the efficient extraction of aluminium.
Step 2
Explain why this displacement reaction can be described as a redox reaction.
Answer
In the displacement reaction between TiCl₄ and magnesium, magnesium acts as a reducing agent by donating electrons, thus losing electrons and being oxidized to Mg²⁺ ions. Conversely, titanium ions (Ti⁴⁺) gain the electrons and are reduced to elemental titanium. This exchange of electrons between magnesium and titanium highlights the characteristics of a redox reaction, where oxidation and reduction processes occur simultaneously.