1. Extraction of Metals
There are many different metals that are used by humans. Where do they come from?
We get them from the ground. Some metals are found on their own as an element, we say they are NATIVE. It is only the UNREACTIVE metals such as GOLD that are found native.
Most metals are not found native, they are TOO REACTIVE and have formed compounds with other elements. We call these metal compounds ORES. Iron is found as an ore called HAEMATITE.
A miner ‘panning’ for gold

2. Extraction Methods
The method of extracting a metal from its ore depends upon HOW REACTIVE the metal is. The more reactive the metal, the MORE DIFFICULT (and EXPENSIVE) it is to separate it from its ore.
The three main methods of extraction are:
Heating in air.
Heating with carbon.
Electrolysis. 12 C 6
Which method you use to separate a metal from its ore depends upon the position of the metal in the reactivity series. Mainly, it depends whether THE METAL IS MORE OR LESS REACTIVE THAN CARBON. If the metal is less reactive than carbon, carbon can displace the metal from its compound.

3. Extraction Methods Reactivity increases K Electrolysis Na Li Ca CarbonMg
Heating with carbon Al Zn
Reactivity increases Fe
Burning in air Sn Pb Cu
Electrolysis is very expensive, thus, the cheapest possible method is always used. Carbon would appear between Zn and Al in the reactivity series. Ag
Found native Au Pt

4. Exercise 7: Extracting Metals
1. What is the difference between an ore and a native element?
2. Give an example of a native element.
3. Name three methods of extraction.
4. How would you obtain aluminium from its ore bauxite?
5. How would you obtain lead from its ore galena?
A native element is un-reactive and found on its own. An ore is a compound of a more reactive metal element with other elements.
Gold.
Heating in air, reducing with carbon, electrolysis.
Using electrolysis.
Reducing it with carbon.