Reduction of metallic oxides to metal in the extraction of metals from the ores- is based on the position of the metal in the activity series.

Question

In the stages involved in the extraction of metals in general – give reasons for the following. 

Reduction of metallic oxides to metal in the extraction of metals from the ores- is based on the position of the metal in the activity series. 

Answer 1

The method used to extract a metal from its ore depends on the position of the metal in the reactivity series. 

(a) Metals higher up in the series need to be extracted using electricity. 

(b) Metals lower in the series can be extracted by reduction with carbon.