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The method used to extract a metal from its ore depends on the position of the metal in the reactivity series - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 6
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 electrolys... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The method used to extract a metal from its ore depends on the position of the metal in the reactivity series - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain why this method is used to extract aluminium from its ore.
Answer
Aluminium is extracted from its ore via electrolysis because it is highly reactive and cannot be reduced by carbon or other non-metals. The process requires the breaking down of the aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) into aluminium and oxygen using electrical energy, as aluminum occurs as an ion in its ore.
Step 2
Explain why this displacement reaction can be described as a redox reaction.
Answer
The displacement reaction of titanium chloride with magnesium can be described as a redox reaction because it involves the transfer of electrons. In this reaction, magnesium is oxidized as it loses two electrons (Mg → Mg²⁺), while titanium ions are reduced as they accept those electrons (Ti⁴⁺ → Ti). This transfer of electrons clearly demonstrates the reduction (gain of electrons) and oxidation (loss of electrons) processes.
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Devise a simple method to obtain a sample of copper from copper oxide in the laboratory.
Answer
One method to obtain copper from copper oxide (CuO) is to heat copper oxide with carbon. This reaction will reduce the copper oxide, yielding elemental copper and producing carbon dioxide as a byproduct. The equation is:
ightarrow ext{Cu} + ext{CO}_2 $$