Extracting metals

 A metal ore is a rock containing a metal,

• The method used to extract metals from the ore in which they are found depends on their reactivity. 

Reactivity and extraction method

Metals - in decreasing order of reactivityReactivity

• potassium
• sodium
• calcium
• magnesium
• aluminium

extract by electrolysis carbon

• zinc
• iron
• tin
• lead

extract by carbon extraction hydrogen

• copper
• silver
• gold
• platinum

extracted by various chemical reactions

copper

• Copper is purified by electrolysis.
• Electricity is passed through solutions containing copper compounds, such…