Extraction of metals

Which of the following things are commonly made from metals?

• jewellery

• steel beams

• electrical cables

• rails for railway tracks

• all of these things

Metals have different levels of reactivity, and they are found in different forms in the earth's crust. Reactive metals are usually found . . .

• in compounds in the earth's crust.

• as pure metals in the earth’s crust.

Unreactive metals are usually found . . .

• in compounds in the earth's crust.

• as pure metals in the earth’s crust.

Most metals are extracted from their ores. What is a metal ore?

• any rock containing a metal

• a rock that contains enough of a metal compound to make extracting the metal financially worthwhile

• a nugget of pure metal

Which two of the following chemical processes are used to extract metals from their ores?

• carbon reduction

• electrolysis

• thermal decomposition

How is a metal extracted from a metal compound by carbon reduction?

• A metal compound is heated with carbon to produce the metal and carbon dioxide.

• A compound is split into its elements using electricity.

Why is electrolysis not used to extract all metals?

• Electrolysis isn't very effective at extracting metals.

• Electrolysis is cheaper than carbon reduction.

• Electrolysis is expensive because it requires a large amount of electricity.

Which method of metal extraction is used to extract metals that are less reactive than carbon?

• carbon reduction

• electrolysis

Which method of metal extraction is used to extract metals that are more reactive than carbon?

• carbon reduction

• electrolysis

Which method of metal extraction is used to extract lead?

• carbon reduction

• electrolysis