Solved Questions on the Occurrence of Metals
1. In the extraction of aluminium from aluminium oxide (Al2O3) using the Hall-Héroult process, aluminium ions (Al3+) are reduced to form aluminium metal. What is the role of the anode in this process?
a) It generates aluminium ions from aluminium oxide.
b) It reduces aluminium ions to aluminium metal.
c) It produces oxygen gas from aluminium oxide.
d) It oxidises aluminium ions to aluminium oxide.
Answer: a) In the Hall-Héroult process for extracting aluminium from aluminium oxide (Al2O3), the anode plays a critical role in the overall electrochemical reaction that takes place. The primary reactions occurring at the anode are: 2O2- (from aluminium oxide) → O2 (oxygen gas) + 4e-
In other words, at the anode, oxygen ions (O2-) from the aluminium oxide are oxidised to form oxygen gas (O2). This process is crucial because it helps in the separation of aluminium metal from the oxygen present in the aluminium oxide.
2. A metallurgist is tasked with preventing the corrosion of iron used in the construction of a bridge. Which practical method is most effective for achieving this goal?
a) Coating the iron with a layer of oil.
b) Using iron that has undergone alloying with chromium.
c) Ensuring the iron is regularly exposed to air and moisture.
d) Applying a layer of zinc to the iron.
Answer: d) The most effective method for preventing the corrosion of iron used in the construction of a bridge is applying a layer of zinc to the iron. This process is known as galvanisation.
Galvanisation involves coating iron or steel with a layer of zinc. Zinc is more reactive than iron, so it acts as a sacrificial anode. In the presence of moisture and oxygen, the zinc layer corrodes instead of the iron. This protects the underlying iron from corrosion.
3. You are designing an alloy for a specialised application that requires both high-temperature resistance and electrical conductivity. Which alloying elements would you consider incorporating into your alloy? Select the most appropriate combination.
a) Chromium (Cr) and aluminium (Al)
b) Copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni)
c) Titanium (Ti) and manganese (Mn)
d) Iron (Fe) and silicon (Si)
Answer: b) To create an alloy with both high-temperature resistance and electrical conductivity, the combination of copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) would be the most appropriate choice. Copper offers excellent electrical conductivity, making it suitable for electrical applications. Nickel, on the other hand, provides high-temperature resistance and also enhances the alloy's overall strength and corrosion resistance.
4. Arrange the following steps in the correct order for the extraction of iron from iron ore (hematite):
I. Conversion of iron ore into iron oxide.
II. Reduction of iron oxide to obtain molten iron.
III. Mining and crushing of hematite ore.
IV. Purification and casting of molten iron.
Choose the correct order of these steps:
a) I, IV, III, II
b) III, I, II, IV
c) III, II, I, IV
d) IV, II, III, I
Answer: b) III. Mining and crushing of hematite ore.
I. Conversion of iron ore into iron oxide.
II. Reduction of iron oxide to obtain molten iron.
IV. Purification and casting of molten iron.
5. In a laboratory experiment, a student wants to demonstrate the reduction of copper oxide using carbon as a reducing agent. Which of the following equations represents the correct reaction?
a) CuO + C → Cu + CO2
b) Cu2O + C → 2Cu + CO2
c) CuO + CO → Cu + CO2
d) Cu2O + CO → 2Cu + CO2
Answer: a) In the reduction of copper oxide (CuO) using carbon (C) as a reducing agent, the carbon (C) reacts with copper oxide (CuO) to produce copper (Cu) and carbon dioxide (CO2) gas. The reaction can be broken down as follows: CuO + C → Cu + CO2
FAQs
1. What is an ore?
A naturally occurring rock or mineral with a high concentration of precious metals is called an ore.
2. What are some common examples of ores?
Hematite (iron), malachite (copper), and bauxite (aluminium) are examples of common ores. These ores are valuable resources for the extraction of metals using different metallurgical techniques.
3. What role do minerals play in the occurrence of metals?
Metals may be found in a variety of naturally occurring inorganic compounds called minerals. Through geological processes, they can be the main source of metals or help in the production of ores.
4. How are metals extracted from their ores?
Metals are obtained out of ores using a variety of extraction techniques, such as electrolysis, leaching, and smelting. The goal of these procedures is to extract the metal from the other components of the ore.
5. Why may some metals be found in nature in their original form?
Some metals, like silver and gold, are frequently discovered in their elemental form, or in their natural condition. This happens because of their low reactivity and oxidation resistance, which enable them to remain in their metallic state.
