This guide covers IGCSE Chemistry topic 10 (part 2): metals – extraction and uses. You will revise extraction by carbon (metals below C in reactivity series, e.g. Fe, Zn), extraction by electrolysis (metals above C, e.g. Al), blast furnace (iron), and uses of metals (e.g. Cu, Al, Fe).

Key concepts to revise

• Carbon reduction – Metal oxide + carbon → metal + CO2; used for metals below carbon in reactivity series (e.g. Fe, Zn, Sn, Pb).
• Electrolysis – Used for metals above carbon (e.g. Al from molten bauxite; Na from molten NaCl); too reactive to be reduced by carbon.
• Blast furnace – Iron ore (haematite), coke (C), limestone; CO reduces Fe2O3 to Fe; limestone removes impurities (slag).
• Uses – Linked to properties (e.g. Al: low density, corrosion-resistant → aircraft; Cu: conductor → wires).

Exam tips and command words

• State – How a metal is extracted (carbon reduction vs electrolysis) from its position in the reactivity series.
• Describe – The blast furnace (raw materials; reduction of iron ore by CO; formation of slag).
• Explain – Why aluminium is extracted by electrolysis (too reactive; carbon cannot reduce it).
• State – One use of a metal and link to property (e.g. Cu for wires: good conductor).

Common mistakes

• Saying all metals are extracted by electrolysis (only reactive ones; others by carbon reduction).
• Confusing reduction (gain of oxygen loss by ore; metal formed) with oxidation (loss of electrons).
• Not stating that limestone in blast furnace removes silicon dioxide (acidic impurity) as slag.

Revision checklist

• State which metals are extracted by carbon reduction and which by electrolysis (from reactivity series).
• Describe the blast furnace (raw materials; reaction in which CO reduces Fe2O3; slag).
• Write the equation for reduction of iron oxide by carbon monoxide.
• State one use each of Fe, Al, Cu and link to a property.

Next steps

Book a free trial with an IGCSE Chemistry tutor to practise extraction questions, or explore Tutopiya’s learning portal for more revision resources.