How the method of extraction depends on a metal’s position in the series, the blast furnace for iron, electrolysis of molten compounds for reactive metals (aluminium), and the uses of metals and alloys.
5 narrated scenes. Press play, listen and read along — the points appear as they are explained. Use ‹ Prev / Next › or the scene bar to jump to any scene.
Iron, aluminium and copper are everywhere in the Caribbean, from steel pan drums to aircraft. Each is extracted in a different way, and the reason is its place in the reactivity series.
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Copy these into your notebook in your own words — that is how they stick.
A rock containing a metal compound that is worth extracting.
Electrolysis (K–Al), carbon reduction (Zn–Pb), native/heating (Cu, Ag, Au).
Haematite + coke + limestone + hot air → iron + slag.
Fe₂O₃ + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO₂.
CaO + SiO₂ → CaSiO₃.
Electrolysis of alumina in molten cryolite; carbon electrodes.
Lowers melting point; saves energy.
Mixtures; harder and stronger; e.g. steel, brass, bronze.
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8 items modelled on real CSEC Paper 1 questions. Choose one answer for each, then check. Aim for 80% or better. Work each item on paper first.
Write full answers, then reveal the mark scheme and tick the points you earned (15 marks in total). Show all your working — method marks count. Your answers are saved on this device.
Question 1 [15 marks]
Iron is extracted from haematite in a blast furnace, and aluminium is extracted from bauxite by electrolysis.
(a) (a) Explain why aluminium cannot be extracted by heating its oxide with carbon. [2]
(b) (b) Name the raw materials used in the blast furnace. [3]
(c) (c) Write equations for two reactions that occur in the blast furnace, one forming carbon monoxide and one forming iron. [2]
(d) (d) Explain the role of limestone. [3]
(e) (e) State the electrolyte and the reason for cryolite in the extraction of aluminium. [2]
(f) (f) Write the half-equations at each electrode and explain why the anodes have to be replaced. [3]
Find these in your own past-paper booklets for extra timed practice. Items above are written in the style of these papers; any adapted from a specific question say so.