lesson
Reactivity affects extraction choices
1 · Learn
A metal's position relative to carbon in a reactivity series helps determine whether its oxide can be reduced using carbon in a suitable process. More reactive metals often require other methods such as electrolysis. Extraction has energy and environmental costs.
A general pattern is not a complete industrial procedure. Purifying a metal and extracting it from an ore are related but different tasks.
2 · Worked example
In the usual school model, carbon can remove oxygen from some less-reactive metal oxides, while aluminium extraction relies on electrolysis rather than carbon reduction.
3 · Your turn
Why is one extraction method not suitable for every metal oxide?
Check your answer
Different metals have different reactivities and compounds, so the feasibility of reduction methods differs.
4 · Apply your learning
Compare supplied extraction-route diagrams and evaluate energy use and waste without performing reactions.
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Check a calculation · Year 5 onward
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Powers, roots and trigonometry · Year 7 onward
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