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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 by electrolysis because it is a very reactive metal, positioned high in the reactivity series. Conventional methods like reduction with carbon cannot be used as aluminium cannot be displaced by carbon due to its higher reactivity. Thus, the electrolysis process is necessary to provide enough energy to break the strong bonds in its ore, allowing for the extraction of pure aluminium.
Step 2
Explain why this displacement reaction can be described as a redox reaction.
Answer
The displacement reaction between titanium chloride and magnesium involves the transfer of electrons, classifying it as a redox reaction. In this process, magnesium is oxidized as it loses electrons, while titanium ions are reduced as they accept electrons. Thus, magnesium acts as the reducing agent and titanium chloride acts as the oxidizing agent.
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Devise a simple method to obtain a sample of copper from copper oxide in the laboratory.
Answer
A simple method to obtain copper from copper oxide is to heat the copper oxide with carbon. This reaction reduces copper oxide to copper metal as the carbon reacts with the oxygen in the copper oxide, forming carbon dioxide and leaving behind pure copper.