Metals like sodium and aluminium, placed at the top of the activity series, are extracted by:
Electrolytic reduction of molten salts
Metals high up in the activity series, such as sodium, magnesium, calcium and aluminium, are very reactive. They have a greater affinity for oxygen than carbon has, so carbon cannot reduce their oxides to the metal.
These metals are therefore obtained by electrolytic reduction. For example, sodium is obtained by passing electricity through molten sodium chloride, and aluminium by electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide; the metal is deposited at the cathode. So electrolytic reduction of molten salts is used.
Only metals at the bottom of the series, like gold and silver, occur in the native form. Roasting followed by reduction, and heating oxides with carbon, are used for metals in the middle of the series, such as zinc and iron, not for highly reactive metals like sodium and aluminium.
Hence, Electrolytic reduction of molten salts.
Similar Questions
In the electrolytic refining of copper, which material is used as the cathode?
A non-metal is found to be solid at room temperature, lustrous, and sublimes on heating. Which non-metal shows this unusual combination of physical properties?
A mining company discovers a new ore containing a metal from the top of the reactivity series. They want to extract this metal efficiently and economically. Which extraction method should they use?
Which of the following statements is/are true?
a. The rusting of iron can be prevented by making alloys.
b. Stainless steel is primarily an alloy of iron, chromium, and nickel.
c. An alloy is a heterogenous mixture of two or more metals.
In reactivity series metals are arranged in decreasing order of their activity. The metal which lies at the top of series is:
A mining company discovers a new metal that is low in the activity series and is found in its native state. Which extraction method should the company prioritize to obtain the pure metal efficiently?
Which of the following statements describes why metals like gold are found in a free state in nature, while metals like sodium are not?
A shipping company needs to ensure their iron cargo ships are protected from corrosion during long voyages through salty ocean water. Which strategy would be most effective for preventing corrosion for this purpose?
During the oxidation of copper, its surface acquires a black coloured coating due to the formation of which of the following compounds?
Which of the following metals will not show any observable change when placed in cold water, based on their position in the reactivity series?
Important Questions from Metals & Non-metals
Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of hold and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste?
1. Beryllium
2. Cadmium
3. Chromium
4. Heptachlor
5. Mercury
6. Lead
7. Plutonium
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Recently, there has been a concern over the short supply of a group of elements called 'rare earth metals'. Why?
1. China, which is the largest producer of these elements, has imposed some restrictions on their export.
2. Other than China, Australia, Canada and Chile, these elements are not found in any country.
3. Rare earth metals are essential for the manufacture of various kinds of electronic items and there is a growing demand for these elements.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Which of the following metals CANNOT be cut with a knife?
Which of the following will be formed when dilute hydrochloric acid is added to a beaker having copper oxide ?
Which of the following statement is incorrect regarding metals?
