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
31–40 of 57 · Normal
Question 31
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The diagrams show a pure metal and an alloy. Use your knowledge of structure and properties to answer the questions.
(a)[1 mark]Describe the arrangement of atoms in a pure metal.
(b)[3 marks]Explain why the alloy is harder than the pure metal.
Question 32
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Aluminium is often used to make power transmission cables because it has a low density and is a good conductor of electricity. A section of cable is made of pure aluminium and has a mass of and a volume of .
Calculate the density of aluminium in . State one reason, based on its properties, why aluminium is chosen for this use.
Density = mass ÷ volume
(a)[2 marks]Calculate the density of aluminium in .
(b)[1 mark]State one property of aluminium that makes it suitable for use in power cables.
Question 33
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →State why pure aluminium is rarely used for making structures. Briefly explain how adding other elements strengthens aluminium alloys.
Question 34
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The diagram below shows a cross-section of a wire made from aluminium.
Cross-section of aluminium wire with oxide layer (a)[1 mark]What is the chemical name of the oxide layer that forms on aluminium?
(b)[1 mark]State how this oxide layer protects aluminium from corrosion.
(c)[2 marks]Explain one practical use of aluminium that relies on its resistance to corrosion.
Question 35
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A company is designing lightweight power cables using aluminium. Each cable must have a mass of no more than 2.70 kg per metre. The density of pure aluminium is 2.70 g/cm³.
(a)[2 marks]Calculate the volume, in cm³, of aluminium in 1 metre of this cable.
(b)[1 mark]Explain why using aluminium, rather than copper (8 = 8.96 g/cm³), is suitable for lightweight cables.
Question 36
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Explain, using ideas about atomic structure, why aluminium alloys are harder than pure aluminium. Include reference to the effect of atomic size differences.
Question 37
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Effect of surface treatments on aluminium corrosion resistance Sample Surface treatment Observations after 1 month outside A None (bare aluminium) No visible change B Surface scratched White, powdery spots appear C Coated with oil No visible change Study the table above, which shows different treatments applied to aluminium samples left outside.
(a)[1 mark]Suggest why the untreated (bare) sample did not show corrosion after a month.
(b)[2 marks]Explain why scratching the surface resulted in white, powdery spots.
(c)[1 mark]What does the result for the oil-coated sample show about the use of oil as a protective measure?
Question 38
1 mark · Normal
Answer and check →Which property of aluminium makes it particularly suitable for use in overhead electricity cables?
- A.Low melting point
- B.High electrical conductivity
- C.Magnetic property
- D.Forms a coloured oxide
Question 39
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Describe what happens to the movement of the layers of atoms in aluminium when it is alloyed. Explain why this affects the strength of the metal.
Question 40
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A student compares aluminium and iron for use in outdoor bicycle frames.
(a)[1 mark]Suggest one property of aluminium that makes it especially good for outdoor frames.
(b)[1 mark]Name the substance that makes aluminium resistant to corrosion.
(c)[2 marks]Describe how this substance forms and protects the aluminium beneath.