Exyracting metal middle in the reactivity series?
Extracting Metals in the Middle of the Activity Series. Metals such as iron, zinc, lead, copper, etc., are in themiddle of the reactivity series. These are moderately reactive metals and are usually present as sulphides or carbonates. A metal is obtained from its ore by the processes of reduction or by electrolysis.
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Exyracting metal middle in the reactivity series?
Metals in the middle of the reactivity series can be obtained by the process of roasting and calcination.
Roasting- roasting is done for sulphide ore.
calcination is done for carbonate ores
Exyracting metal middle in the reactivity series?
Extracting Metals in the Reactivity Series
Metals in the reactivity series can be extracted from their ores through various methods. The reactivity series is a list that arranges metals in order of their reactivity, with the most reactive metals at the top and the least reactive ones at the bottom. Extracting metals involves separating them from their ores, which are naturally occurring compounds of metals and other elements.
1. Extraction of Highly Reactive Metals:
Metals that are highly reactive, such as potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium, are extracted using electrolysis. This process involves passing an electric current through a molten compound or an aqueous solution of the metal's salt. The positive metal ions are attracted to the negative electrode (cathode) and are reduced, while negative ions are attracted to the positive electrode (anode) and are oxidized. This allows the metal to be extracted in its pure form.
2. Extraction of Moderately Reactive Metals:
Metals like zinc, iron, and aluminum, which are moderately reactive, are commonly extracted using the process of reduction by carbon or carbon monoxide. This method involves heating the metal oxide with carbon or carbon monoxide, which reacts with the oxygen in the metal oxide, leaving behind the pure metal.
3. Extraction of Less Reactive Metals:
Metals that are less reactive, such as copper, silver, and gold, can be found in nature in their pure form. These metals can be extracted from their ores by various methods, including smelting, roasting, and leaching. Smelting involves heating the ore with a reducing agent, such as carbon, to obtain the pure metal. Roasting involves heating the ore in the presence of excess air to remove impurities, leaving behind the metal oxide, which is then reduced. Leaching is a process in which the ore is treated with a suitable solvent to dissolve the metal, which is then recovered by precipitation or electrolysis.
4. Extraction of Least Reactive Metals:
Metals that are the least reactive, such as platinum and gold, are often found in nature as pure metals and can be extracted by simple physical methods like panning or sieving.
In conclusion, extracting metals from their ores depends on their reactivity. Highly reactive metals are extracted through electrolysis, moderately reactive metals are reduced using carbon or carbon monoxide, less reactive metals can be obtained through various methods like smelting, roasting, and leaching, while the least reactive metals can be found in their pure form and require simple physical methods for extraction.
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