The list shows some metals in order of reactivity - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 6 - 2015 - Paper 1
Question 6
The list shows some metals in order of reactivity.
most reactive
sodium
aluminium
zinc
iron
copper
gold
(a) Aluminium and iron are extracted by reduction of their ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The list shows some metals in order of reactivity - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 6 - 2015 - Paper 1
Step 1
State what is meant by reduction.
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Reduction is a chemical process that involves the loss of oxygen from a substance or the gain of electrons by an atom, ion, or molecule.
Step 2
Explain why aluminium needs to be extracted from its ore by electrolysis, rather than by heating with carbon.
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Aluminium is high in the reactivity series, meaning it is more reactive than carbon. As a result, it forms stable compounds and cannot be reduced by carbon, which is a less reactive element. Heating with carbon would not be powerful enough to displace aluminium from its oxide, hence electrolysis is required for its extraction.
Step 3
Write the balanced equation for this reaction.
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The balanced equation for the extraction of iron from iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) using carbon is:
