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

Key concepts to revise

• Reduction with carbon – Metal below carbon in reactivity series; ore + carbon (or CO) heated; metal reduced (e.g. Fe2O3 + CO → Fe + CO2).
• Electrolysis – Metal above carbon (e.g. Al); molten compound electrolysed; metal at cathode.
• Blast furnace – Iron ore (Fe2O3), coke (C), limestone (CaCO3); CO reduces ore to Fe; limestone removes impurities (slag).
• Recycling – Saves energy and raw materials; reduces waste; metals can be melted and reused.

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 by CO; formation of slag).
• Explain – Why aluminium is extracted by electrolysis (above carbon; too reactive to reduce with carbon).
• Explain – Why recycling metals is important (saves energy; conserves ores; reduces pollution).

Common mistakes

• Saying all metals are extracted by electrolysis (only reactive ones above carbon; e.g. Al).
• Confusing reduction (gain of oxygen lost / gain of electrons) with oxidation.
• Not stating that limestone in the blast furnace removes silicon dioxide (acidic impurity) as slag.

Revision checklist

• State how Fe, Zn, Cu are extracted (reduction with carbon) and how Al is extracted (electrolysis).
• Describe the blast furnace (raw materials; role of coke and limestone; products: iron and slag).
• Explain why electrolysis is needed for aluminium.
• State two benefits of recycling metals.

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.