Metals have many uses - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 3 - 2012 - Paper 1
Question 3
Metals have many uses.
(a) Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next to your answer.
Aluminium and magnesium are melted together to form magnali... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Metals have many uses - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 3 - 2012 - Paper 1
Step 1
Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next to your answer.
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Answer
Magnalium is an alloy. It is a mixture of aluminium and magnesium metals, which imparts unique properties such as lighter weight and increased strength.
Step 2
Describe how iron is extracted from its ore.
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Answer
Iron is extracted from its ore typically through a reduction process in a blast furnace. The ore, mainly iron oxide (Fe₂O₃), is mixed with carbon (coke) and limestone. In the furnace, the coke provides carbon, which reacts with the oxygen in the iron oxide, freeing the iron:
ightarrow 2 ext{Fe} + 3 ext{CO}$$
The limestone helps to remove impurities, forming slag.
Step 3
Explain how this reaction involves both oxidation and reduction.
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Answer
In the reaction of copper oxide with hydrogen, oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously. Hydrogen is oxidized as it loses electrons to form water:
ightarrow 2 ext{H}^+ + 2e^-$$
Conversely, copper oxide is reduced as it gains electrons from hydrogen, resulting in the formation of copper:
$$ ext{CuO} + 2e^-
ightarrow ext{Cu} + ext{O}^{2-}$$
Thus, hydrogen is the reducing agent, and copper oxide serves as the oxidizing agent.
Step 4
Explain why shape memory alloys are better than other alloys for making spectacle frames.
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Answer
Shape memory alloys are advantageous for spectacle frames because they can return to their original shape when deformed or bent. This property ensures that the frames are durable and can withstand daily wear and tear, unlike other alloys, which may remain permanently deformed when subjected to stress.
Step 5
Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next to your answer.
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Answer
Alloys are usually stronger than the pure metals from which they are made because they combine the properties of the metals from which they are made.