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5 Gold is used to make some jewellery - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 5 - 2013 - Paper 1
Question 5
5 Gold is used to make some jewellery. (a) Explain why gold is used to make jewellery. (b) Complete the sentence by putting a cross (✗) in the box next to your an... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:5 Gold is used to make some jewellery - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 5 - 2013 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain why gold is used to make jewellery.
Answer
Gold is used for jewellery primarily due to its attractive appearance and useful properties. It does not corrode or tarnish, maintaining its shine over time. Additionally, gold is relatively unreactive, meaning it doesn't easily react with air or water. This makes gold a lasting choice for jewellery that can be worn regularly. Also, its malleable nature allows it to be easily shaped into intricate designs, enhancing its appeal in fine jewellery.
Step 2
Step 3
Explain why gold alloys are stronger than gold.
Answer
Gold alloys are stronger than pure gold because when gold is mixed with other metals, the different sizes of the atoms present disrupt the regular arrangement of the gold atoms. This creates a stronger structure that is less likely to deform. In pure gold, the uniformity of the atoms allows for easier movement, making it softer. However, the addition of stronger metals leads to a composite that holds its shape better and resists wear more effectively.
Step 4
Explain, in terms of the position of the metal in the reactivity series and the cost of the extraction processes, why iron and aluminium are extracted by different methods.
Answer
Iron and aluminium are extracted using different methods due to their positions in the reactivity series and the associated costs of extraction. Iron, which is less reactive than carbon, can be extracted economically by reduction using carbon. The carbon reduces iron oxide at relatively lower costs, making this method viable.
In contrast, aluminium is more reactive than carbon and cannot be reduced using it. Aluminium oxide is extracted through electrolysis, which is far more expensive than carbon reduction processes. The high reactivity of aluminium necessitates more powerful methods like electrolysis, which justifies the difference in extraction techniques.