Extraction of metals by reduction
I can explain how carbon can extract some metals from metal oxides by heating.
Extraction of metals by reduction
I can explain how carbon can extract some metals from metal oxides by heating.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Unreactive metals are often found in the earth as pure metal.
- Metals that are less reactive than carbon can be extracted by heating their oxides with carbon.
- A metal oxide is said to be reduced by carbon because the metal oxide loses oxygen.
- Carbon is oxidised when it reacts with a metal oxide because it gains oxygen to form carbon dioxide.
Keywords
Metal oxide - A metal oxide is a compound containing metal and oxygen atoms chemically bonded together.
Oxidation - Oxidation is a type of reaction in which a substance gains oxygen or loses electrons.
Reduction - Reduction is a type of reaction in which a substance loses oxygen or gains electrons.
Ore - An ore is a rock that contains metals or metal compounds. Metal can be extracted from its ore.
Redox reaction - A redox reaction is a reaction where both reduction and oxidation occur.
Common misconception
Thinking that oxidation and reduction are only to do with the loss and gain of oxygen.
Oxidation is the loss of electrons or the gain of oxygen. Reduction is the gain of electrons or loss of oxygen.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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