Question 1: Define 'metal ore' and explain its significance in the extraction process.

Answer: A metal ore is a naturally occurring mineral or rock that contains sufficient concentrations of a metal to be economically extracted. It is the raw material from which metals are obtained.

Question 2: Name two common methods used to extract metals from their ores.

Answer: Smelting and electrolysis.

Question 3: Explain why aluminum is extracted using electrolysis instead of smelting.

Answer: Aluminum is extracted from bauxite ore, which contains aluminum oxide. Aluminum oxide has a very high melting point, making smelting impractical. Electrolysis allows extraction at lower temperatures by passing an electric current through molten aluminum oxide.

Question 4: Which metal is typically extracted using reduction with carbon? Provide an example.

Answer: Iron is often extracted from its ore hematite using reduction with carbon in a blast furnace.

Question 5: Fill in the blank: The process of heating ore in the presence of a reducing agent to extract a metal is called __________.

Answer: smelting

Question 1: Describe the main difference between reduction with carbon and electrolysis in metal extraction.

Answer: Reduction with carbon involves using carbon to chemically reduce metal oxides to produce the pure metal, typically at high temperatures, and is suitable for less reactive metals. Electrolysis uses electric current to decompose molten compounds, allowing extraction of more reactive metals that cannot be reduced by carbon.

Question 2: List one advantage and one disadvantage of electrolysis in metal extraction.

Answer: Advantage: Produces high-purity metals; Disadvantage: Requires a lot of energy and is expensive.

Question 1: Identify two safety precautions that must be taken during electrolysis of metal ores.

Answer: Wearing protective gear to prevent burns or electric shock; Ensuring proper ventilation to avoid toxic gas buildup.

Question 2: Name an industry or application where extracted metals are used in everyday life.

Answer: Electrical wiring industry uses copper; construction uses steel.

Question 1: A sample of ore contains 50% metal oxides. During processing, 80% of the metal oxide is successfully reduced to pure metal. What percentage of the original ore is converted to pure metal?

Answer: 40%

Question 2: If a metal ore requires electrolysis and consumes 2 kWh of energy per kilogram of metal extracted, how much energy is needed to extract 10 kg of metal?

Answer: 20 kWh

Question 1: Describe how the extraction of lithium is important for modern technology devices such as batteries.

Answer: Lithium is a key component of rechargeable batteries used in smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles. Its lightweight and high electrochemical potential make it ideal for energy storage, supporting the development of portable and sustainable technologies.