Native Metals (WJEC GCSE Chemistry)
Revision Note
Native Metals
What are native metals?
Unreactive metals do not have to be extracted chemically as they are often found as the uncombined element
This occurs as they do not easily react with other substances due to their chemical stability
They are known as native metals and examples include gold and silver which can both be mined directly from the Earth’s crust
The position of the metal on the reactivity series influences the method of extraction
Those metals placed higher up on the series (above carbon) have to be extracted using electrolysis
Metals lower down on the series can be extracted by heating with carbon in a reduction reaction
The Extraction Method Depends on the Position of a Metal in the Reactivity Series
Metal | Method of Extraction |
|---|---|
Most reactive | |
Potassium | Extracted by electrolysis of molten chloride or molten oxide Large amount of electricity required so expensive process |
Sodium | |
Lithium | |
Calcium | |
Magnesium | |
Aluminium | |
Carbon | |
Zinc | Extracted by heating with reducing agent such as carbon or carbon monoxide |
Iron | |
Hydrogen | |
Copper | Found as pure elements (copper may have to be extracted from it's ore by heating with carbon or hydrogen) |
Silver | |
Gold | |
Least reactive | |
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