Choosing the Method of Extraction
- The position of the metal on the reactivity series determines the method of extraction
- Higher placed metals (above carbon) have to be extracted usingelectrolysis as they are too reactive and cannot be reduced by carbon
- Lower placed metals can be extracted by heating with carbon which reduces
- Electrolysis is very expensive as large amounts of energy are required to melt the ores and produce the electrical current
- The reactivity series of metals is shown below with the corresponding method of extraction
Metal Extraction Methods Summary Table
Exam Tip
Questions on this topic often ask you to explain why in some cases electrolysis is used and in other cases reduction by heating with carbon is used. Make sure you can explain when each process is used and why.
