Extracting metals from their ores
3 marks · EasyThe table shows three metals, their reactivity, and their extraction methods.
| Metal | Position in Reactivity Series | Extraction Method |
|---|---|---|
| Potassium | Very reactive | ? |
| Zinc | Less reactive than carbon | Reduction with carbon |
| Silver | Least reactive | Found native |
Suggest the method used to extract potassium from its ore.
State the type of compound potassium is usually found in.
Explain why silver can be found as the native metal but zinc cannot.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
Show answer
(a) Electrolysis
(b) Compound
(c) Silver is unreactive so found as the metal; zinc is more reactive and found as compounds/ores.
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · States electrolysis is used to extract potassium.
B1 (b) · 1 mark · States potassium is found as compounds (not natively).
B1 (c) · 1 mark · States silver is unreactive (so found as metal); zinc is more reactive (so found as a compound/ore).
Worked solution
a) Potassium is extracted by electrolysis.
b) Potassium is usually found as compounds (such as potassium chloride or other salts).
c) Silver is unreactive and can be found as a native metal, but zinc is more reactive and always found as compounds.