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INTRODUCTION

OCCURRENCE

  • Ores of some metals are very common (Iron, Aluminium.)
  • Others occur only in limited quantities in selected areas.
  • High grade ores are cheaper to process because the cost is less.
  •  Ores need to be purified before being reduced to the metal.

    THEORY

    The method used to extract metals depends on the :

    • Purity required.
    • Energy requirements.
    • Cost of the reducing agent.
    • Position of the metal in the reactivity series.

    REACTIVITY SERIES

    K     Na     Ca     Mg     Al     C     Zn     Fe     H     Cu     Ag

  • Lists metals in descending reactivity.
  • Hydrogen and carbon are often added.
  • The more reactive a metal the less likely it will be found in its pure, or native state.
  • Consequently, it will be harder to convert it back to the metal.

    • concentration of ores

Activity

Study the image above and do the activity below.

On yout notebook categorize the metals in the reactivity series with the method of extraction shown in the flow chart either through electrolysis, reduction or roasting.