2.22C: Know that Most Metals are Extracted from Ores Found in the Earth’s Crust and that Unreactive Metals are Often Found as the Uncombined Element

EXTRACTION OF ORES FROM EARTH’S CRUST:

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• Earth’s crust contains Metals and Metal Compounds such as Gold, Iron Oxide and Aluminium Oxide, but are often mixed with other substances
• These Metals have to be extracted from their ore through processes such as electrolysis or using a blast furnace
• Unreactive Metals - such as Gold, do not have to be extracted as they are found as uncombined Elements as they do not easily react with other Metals to form impure compounds

Diagram:

An example of an Iron Ore that is Impure so is Extracted using a Blast Furnace Along with Limestone, coke and Air