Chapter 15
Extraction and uses of Metals
Extracting Metals from Their Ores
Minerals and Ores
• Most metals are found in the Earth's crust combined with other elements.
• These compounds are called minerals.
• Ores: Rocks containing enough minerals to make metal extraction worthwhile.
• Unreactive metals (e.g., gold) exist in their native form.
• Silver and copper can also be found natively but are rarer.
Did You Know?
• The price of a metal depends on:
◦ How common the ore is.
◦ The dif culty of extraction.
• Many ores contain oxides or compounds that can be easily converted into oxides.
• Sul des (e.g., Sphalerite, ZnS) can be converted to oxides by roasting (heating in air).
• Example reaction:
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Methods of Extraction and the Reactivity Series
Reduction Process
• To obtain metal from its oxide, oxygen must be removed (reduction).
• Metals exist as positive ions in compounds.
• Producing a metal requires adding electrons (reduction).
Factors Affecting Extraction Method
• The method depends on the metal's position in the reactivity series.
• Manufacturers aim for the cheapest extraction method.
• Two main cost factors:
◦Energy cost
◦Cost of the reducing agent
Metals Below Carbon in the Reactivity Series
• Metals below carbon can be extracted using carbon reduction.
• Example: Iron extraction from iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃):
Blast Furnace for Iron Extraction
• Iron ore, coke, and limestone are used in a blast furnace.
• The furnace operates at 1800°C, removing oxygen from iron ore.
• Steel lining with heat-resistant bricks is used for insulation.
• Molten iron and slag are collected separately.
Alloys
What is an Alloy?
• An alloy is a mixture of a metal with other metals or carbon.
• Examples:
◦Brass = Copper + Zinc
◦Steel = Iron + Carbon
• Alloys are harder than the pure metals they are made from.
Why Are Alloys Harder?
• Atoms in alloys are different sizes, disrupting the regular lattice.
• This makes it more dif cult for layers of metal ions to slide over each other.
• Pure metal: Layers slide easily.
• Alloy: Layers do not slide as easily.
Common Alloys
• Bronze = Copper + Tin
• Stainless Steel = Iron + Chromium (and usually Nickel)
• Cupronickel (Copper + Nickel) = Used in ‘silver’ coins.
Reminder
• Metals consist of a regular lattice of metal ions surrounded by a sea of delocalized electrons.
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Properties and Uses of Some Metals
Uses of Aluminium
• Pure aluminium is weak, so aluminium alloys are used instead.
• Aluminium can be strengthened by adding:
◦Silicon
◦Copper
◦Magnesium
• Common uses of aluminium:
◦Planes
◦Electricity cables
◦Pots and pans
• Why is aluminium useful?
◦Low density and high strength (when alloyed).
◦Good conductor of electricity and heat.
◦Resists corrosion due to a thin, strong layer of aluminium oxide.
Properties and Uses of Different Kinds of Steel
Mild Steel
• Alloy of iron and ~0.25% carbon.
• Strong, malleable material, easily hammered and shaped.
• Uses:
◦Nails, car bodies, bridges.
• Disadvantages:
◦Rusts when exposed to oxygen and water.
◦Three times denser than aluminium.
◦Some cars use aluminium instead to prevent rusting and reduce fuel consumption.
High-Carbon Steel
• Contains 0.6–1.2% carbon.
• Harder and more resistant to wear than mild steel.
• (less malleable and ductile).
• Used for cutting tools (e.g., knives).
• May contain small amounts of manganese.
•
Stainless Steel
• Alloy of iron, chromium, and often nickel.
• Chromium forms an oxide layer, preventing rust (similar to aluminium).
• Uses:
◦Kitchen sinks, saucepans, knives, forks, gardening tools.
◦Brewing, dairy, chemical industries where corrosion resistance is crucial.
• More expensive than mild steel.
Copper
• Properties and uses:
◦Electrical wires: Very good conductor of electricity, ductile.
◦Pots and pans: Good heat conductor, unreactive, malleable.
◦Water pipes: Does not react with hot/cold water, malleable.
◦Hospital surfaces: Antimicrobial properties.