Metals above carbon in the reactivity series
4 marks · NormalThe table shows some metals and whether they can be extracted from their oxides by using carbon.
| Metal | Extracted using carbon (Yes/No) |
|---|---|
| Potassium | No |
| Iron | Yes |
| Aluminium | No |
| Copper | Yes |
Identify two metals from the table that cannot be extracted using carbon.
Explain why potassium cannot be extracted by reduction with carbon.
State the method used to extract aluminium from its ore.
Describe why copper can be extracted by using carbon.
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(b) Potassium, Aluminium
(c) Potassium is more reactive than carbon, so carbon cannot reduce its oxide.
(d) Electrolysis
(e) Copper is less reactive than carbon, so carbon can reduce its oxide.
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Marking points
B1 (b) · 1 mark · Identifies potassium and aluminium as not extracted using carbon.
B2 (c) · 1 mark · States potassium is more reactive than carbon/so carbon cannot reduce its oxide.
B3 (d) · 1 mark · States electrolysis as the extraction method for aluminium.
B4 (e) · 1 mark · States copper is less reactive than carbon/so carbon can reduce its oxide.
Worked solution
b) Potassium and aluminium. c) Potassium cannot be extracted using carbon because it is more reactive than carbon. d) Aluminium is extracted by electrolysis. e) Copper can be extracted by carbon because it is less reactive than carbon.