Most metals are in compounds
Most metals are found in the Earth as compounds. They need a chemical reaction to extract them. Very unreactive metals such as gold can be found as the metal itself.
Lesson 4.4 · AQA Combined Science
Extracting metals
Carbon removes oxygen
Metals less reactive than carbon can be extracted from their oxides by heating with carbon. The metal oxide loses oxygen: it is reduced. In 2CuO + C → 2Cu + CO₂, carbon gains oxygen and is oxidised.
Above carbon needs another method
Carbon cannot reduce aluminium oxide because aluminium is more reactive than carbon. Aluminium is extracted by electrolysis. This uses a large amount of energy for heating and electrical current. Choose a method using the reactivity series and the information supplied.
Remember
Below carbon: oxide can be reduced with carbon. Aluminium needs electrolysis.
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