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Extracting metals and recycling
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Most metals are found as compounds in ores. The extraction method depends on reactivity.
Ores
An ore is a rock containing enough metal or metal compound to make extraction worthwhile.
Unreactive metals like gold are found as the pure element.
Unreactive metals like gold are found as the pure element.
Methods
Metals below carbon: heat the oxide with carbon (reduction). Iron is extracted in a blast furnace.
Metals above carbon: electrolysis of the molten compound, which uses a lot of energy. Aluminium is extracted this way.
Biological methods (Higher): phytoextraction (plants) and bioleaching (bacteria) for low-grade copper ores.
Metals above carbon: electrolysis of the molten compound, which uses a lot of energy. Aluminium is extracted this way.
Biological methods (Higher): phytoextraction (plants) and bioleaching (bacteria) for low-grade copper ores.
Recycling and life-cycle assessment
Recycling saves raw materials, energy and landfill space.
A life-cycle assessment looks at the environmental impact of a product from raw materials, through manufacture and use, to disposal.
A life-cycle assessment looks at the environmental impact of a product from raw materials, through manufacture and use, to disposal.
Why is aluminium extracted by electrolysis, not by heating with carbon?
- Aluminium is more reactive than carbon.
- Carbon cannot remove oxygen from aluminium oxide.
Answer: It is more reactive than carbon.
Metals below carbon are extracted by heating with carbon; above carbon, by electrolysis. Recycling saves resources and energy. Life-cycle assessments judge environmental impact.
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