Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · CHEMISTRY · Chapter
Extraction and Uses of Metals
128 practice questions
Topics covered
- Extracting metals from their ores19 practice questions
- Metals below carbon in the reactivity series19 practice questions
- Metals above carbon in the reactivity series18 practice questions
- Properties and uses of some metals19 practice questions
- Uses of aluminium19 practice questions
- Properties and uses of different kinds of steel20 practice questions
Practice questions
21–30 of 57 · Normal
Question 21
1 mark · Normal
Answer and check →Which statement describes a correct feature of aluminium extraction by electrolysis?
- A.The process uses less electricity than iron extraction.
- B.Aluminium oxide is dissolved in molten cryolite.
- C.Aluminium forms at the anode as a gas.
- D.The anode reaction is Al^3+ + 3e^- -> Al.
Question 22
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Give one reason why electrolysis is used to extract aluminium, but iron is extracted by reduction with carbon.
Question 23
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Scandium is a metal above carbon in the reactivity series. It can be extracted from its oxide by heating with calcium. Use your knowledge of the reactivity series to answer the questions.
(a)[2 marks]Explain why calcium can be used to extract scandium from its oxide.
(b)[2 marks]Suggest one reason, other than expense, why this method might not be widely used for large-scale scandium extraction.
Question 24
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Aluminium is extracted by electrolysis, while iron is extracted by reduction with carbon. The extraction of 1 tonne of aluminium requires 14,000 kWh of electricity at a cost of £0.12 per kWh. The extraction of 1 tonne of iron requires 500 kWh of electricity at the same cost per kWh. Calculate the difference in electricity cost between extracting 1 tonne of aluminium and 1 tonne of iron, and explain one reason why aluminium is extracted by electrolysis rather than by carbon reduction.
(a)[2 marks]Calculate the electricity cost to extract 1 tonne of aluminium and 1 tonne of iron.
(b)[1 mark]Explain one reason why aluminium is extracted using electrolysis rather than by reduction with carbon.
Question 25
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →State two reasons why aluminium is widely used for making aircraft bodies.
Question 26
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The diagrams below show simplified structures of a pure metal and an alloy. Study them and answer the questions.
(a)[1 mark]Define the term 'alloy.'
(b)[3 marks]Explain why alloys are usually harder than pure metals. You may use diagrams in your answer.
Question 27
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, and is often used for making musical instruments.
Explain, in terms of its structure, why brass is harder than pure copper. Your answer should refer to the arrangement of atoms.
Question 28
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The table shows the melting point and main use of some metals.
Properties and uses of metals Metal Melting point (°C) Main use Aluminium 660 Overhead electricity cables Copper 1085 Electrical wiring Iron 1538 Building structures (a)[2 marks]Which metal from the table is most suitable for overhead power cables? Give one reason for your choice.
(b)[2 marks]Explain why copper is commonly used for making electrical wiring.
Question 29
1 mark · Normal
Answer and check →Why are alloys harder than pure metals?
- A.Alloys contain atoms of different sizes, which disrupt the layers.
- B.Alloys have fewer atoms.
- C.Alloys are always magnetic.
- D.Alloys have higher melting points.
Question 30
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Give two reasons why copper is used for making electrical wiring.