Question

Explain how the following metals are obtained from their compounds by the reduction process:

(i) Metal M which is in the middle of the reactivity series.

(ii) Metal N which is high up in the reactivity series.

Give one example of each type

Answer 1

(i) Metals that are present at the centre of the reactivity series are moderately-reactive. Therefore, metal M is a moderately-reactive metal. After obtaining the metal oxides from ores, the metal oxides are reduced to obtain the pure metals. As metal M is a moderately reactive metal, its oxide can be reduced by using coke (carbon).

One example of metal M: Iron (Fe)

(ii) Metals that are present higher up in the reactivity series are very reactive metals. Hence, metal N is a highly reactive metal. Oxides of highly reactive metals cannot be reduced by using coke. Therefore, these metals are reduced by passing electric current throughtheir molten salts. This process is known as electrolytic reduction.

One example of metal N: Sodium (Na)