Extraction and Uses of Metals

individual compounds of metals found in the earths crust combined with other elements

a sample of rock that contains enough mineral for it to be able to extract the metal

they exist naturally as a pure/uncombined element. often unreactive metals. eg. gold

you must remove it from the metal oxide (reduction) metal ions are positive so electrons must be added (reduction) the method of extraction depends of the metals position inn the reactivity series and economic factors

cost of energy and cost of reducing agent

heat it with carbon, since carbon is more reactive it will displace and reduce the metal and take it away from its oxygen compound. it is a redox reaction and the carbon is oxidised. this reaction can be carried out in a blast furnace. common for the extraction of iron.

cant be reduced at reasonable temperatures because theyre more reactive than carbon and carbon can’t displace it. therefore theyre extracted through electrolysis but its expensive and requires lots of energy

extraction through electrolysis because its more reactive than carbon cathode: Al3+ +3e- -> Al (reduction) anode: 2O2- -> O2 + 4e- (oxidation)

a mixture of different types of metals or carbon

as the metals have different sized atoms it disrupts the regular repeating lattice structure so the layers can’t slide over each other.

the substance can be hammered into shape (shaped upon force) metals are malleable

a materials ability to be drawn into wires and stretched out without breaking

pure aluminium is very weak so alloys used instead. aluminium resists corrosion (bc its thin and Al2O3 forms on surface), has a low density and is a good conductor of electricity which is why its good for planes. strengthened by adding silicon, copper or magnesium

alloy of iron with 0.25% carbon malleable and ductile used for nails, car bodies bc it keeps the car light so less fuel used 3x denser than aluminium

alloy of iron with 0.6-1.2% carbon and sometimes manganese hard and more resistant to wear more brittle, not as malleable and ductile used for cutting tools

alloy of iron with chromium and nickel chromium forms strong oxide layer on surface to resist corrosion used in cutlery, sins, pans, brewing beer, milk+cheese production more expensive than milk steel

good conductor of electricity and heat, ductile, antimicrobial properties (can kill microorganisms) used in electrical wires, pots and pans, water pipes, hospital surfaces