Extraction and Uses of Metals

Explain, using the reactivity series, why gold can be found as a pure metal in the Earth's crust but magnesium cannot.

The table shows four metals and how each is extracted from its ore.

Use the information in the table to answer the questions.

Which statement correctly explains why aluminium is extracted from its ore by electrolysis?

State two differences between extracting iron and extracting gold from the Earth's crust.

Lead is less reactive than carbon but more reactive than silver.

a) Would you expect to find lead in the Earth's crust as the metal or as a compound? Explain your answer.

b) Name the method used to extract lead from its ore.

c) Silver is sometimes found native. State a reason, linked to its position in the reactivity series.

d) Name one property of lead that makes it useful for car batteries.

The diagram below shows a section of the reactivity series for four metals, with their possible methods of extraction:

Metals above carbon in the reactivity series are usually extracted by electrolysis, metals below carbon but above hydrogen can be extracted by reduction with carbon, and very unreactive metals may be found as the element.

Complete the table by writing the likely method of extraction for each metal. Choose from: electrolysis, reduction with carbon, or found native.

Write your answers clearly in your answer booklet in the same order as the metals listed.

State the extraction method used for aluminium and explain why this method is required, based on its position in the reactivity series.

Magnesium and iron are both extracted from their ores, but by different methods.

Explain why copper can sometimes be found as the uncombined element in the Earth's crust, but sodium cannot.

State the main method used to extract zinc from zinc oxide.