Question

How are the less reactive metals (which are quite low in the reactivity series) extracted? Explain with the help of an example.

Answer 1

Answer:

The less reactive metals are extracted by the reduction of their oxides by heat alone. Example: Mercury (II) sulphide ore is roasted in air when mercury (II) oxide is formed. When this mercury (II) oxide is heated to about 300oC, it decomposes to form mercury metal.

Answer 2

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★ The arrangement of metals in decreasing order of their reactivity in the form of a series is called the reactivity or reactivity series of the metals.

★ The most reactive metal is placed at the top of the list and least reactive metal is placed at the bottom of the list.

★ On the basis of reactivity, we can classify metals into the following categories :

1) High reactivity metals

2) Moderately reactive metals

3) Less reactive metals

1) Extraction of High reactivity metals :

✯ The metals which are placed at the top of the reactivity series are very reactive.

✯ They are never found in nature as free elements, e. g., sodium, potassium, calcium and aluminium.

✯ These metals are obtained by electrolytic reduction.

2) Extraction of Moderately reactive metals :

✯ The metals in the middle of reactivity series such as iron, zinc, lead, copper are moderately reactive.

✯ These elements are present as sulphides or carbonates in nature.

✯ Generally metals are obtained from their oxides as compared to their sulphides and carbonates.

3) Extraction of Less reactive metals :

✯ The metals which are placed at the bottom of the reactivity series are least reactive.

✯ They occur in free state, e. g., gold, silver and copper.

✯ Copper and silver are also found in the combined state as sulphide and oxide ores.

✯ These metals are obtained from their ores by just heating the ores in air.

Hope it helps!

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