I/GCSE Chemistry Chapter Analysis - Chapter 2: Inorganic Chemistry - Extraction and Uses of Metals
For I/GCSE Chemistry, you should know:
Extraction of Metals:
Most metals are extracted from ores found in the Earth's crust. Ores are naturally occurring materials that contain a high concentration of a particular metal or its compounds. The method used to extract a metal depends on its position in the reactivity series.
Reactive metals, such as potassium, sodium, and calcium, are often found in compounds and are difficult to extract. They are usually extracted by electrolysis, which involves the use of an electric current to separate the metal from its compounds.
Less reactive metals, such as iron and copper, can be extracted using a process called reduction. In this process, the metal is separated from its ore by heating the ore with a reducing agent, such as carbon (in the form of coke or charcoal). This is the method used to extract iron from its ore, iron oxide.
Unreactive metals, such as gold and silver, are often found as the uncombined element in the Earth's crust and can be extracted by relatively simple physical separation methods, such as mining and smelting.
Uses of Metals:
Different metals have different properties that make them suitable for various applications. Let's consider the uses of some common metals:
Aluminium:
- Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easily malleable
- Used in the production of aircraft, vehicles, cans, foil, and electrical wiring
Copper: - Highly conductive, ductile, and corrosion-resistant
- Used in electrical wiring, plumbing, and various electronic components
Iron and Steel: - Strong, hard, and relatively inexpensive
- Used in the construction of buildings, bridges, vehicles, and various tools and equipment
Alloys:
An alloy is a mixture of a metal with one or more other elements, either metals or non-metals. Alloys are often harder and more durable than pure metals because the addition of other elements disrupts the regular arrangement of atoms in the metal, making it more resistant to deformation.
For example, steel is an alloy of iron and small amounts of carbon. The addition of carbon makes steel stronger and more resistant to wear and tear than pure iron.
Other examples of alloys include:
- Brass: An alloy of copper and zinc
- Bronze: An alloy of copper and tin
- Stainless steel: An alloy of iron, chromium, and other elements
In summary, the extraction of metals is closely related to their position in the reactivity series, with the method used depending on the metal's reactivity. The properties of metals, such as their conductivity, strength, and corrosion resistance, determine their various applications. Alloying metals can further enhance their properties, making them more suitable for specific uses.
Work hard for your I/GCSE Chemistry examination!
End of analysis. Great!
