The reactivity series and metal extraction

In a nutshell

The reactivity series is a list of metals in order of their reactivity. You need to know the reactivity series. Some of these metals can be extracted using carbon.

Reactivity series

You need to know the list below, bearing in mind that hydrogen and carbon are non-metals. They have been included so you can compare them to other metals and see where they stand in the list.

Science; The periodic table and properties of materials; KS3 Year 7; The reactivity series and metal extraction

Extracting some metals

Metals are usually extracted from ores because metals are not always pure. Some metals can be extracted using carbon via reduction, which is the removal of oxygen.

Only metals which are below carbon in the reactivity series (see above) can be extracted using carbon. Electricity is required to extract metals from their ores which are found above carbon in the list.

Example

Iron from an iron ore can be extracted using carbon because it is below carbon in the reactivity series.