Topic 6 of 7
Use reactivity to explain extraction and heating
Strongly bound compounds of reactive metals are harder to break down.
O-Level 5086 / 5088 (2026) / SEC G3 K326 / K328 (2027)
Use reactivity to explain extraction and heating
Strongly bound compounds of reactive metals are harder to break down.
An ore contains a metal compound in a form worth extracting. More reactive metals generally need more demanding extraction. Carbon can reduce oxides of metals below it in the relevant series, such as zinc, iron, lead and copper, when heated appropriately. Very reactive metals such as potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium require other methods, commonly electrolysis of suitable molten compounds. This is a principle, not a requirement to memorise every industrial furnace.
Check your understandingWhy is heating magnesium oxide with carbon not the usual way to extract magnesium?Think it through, then reveal the answer
Magnesium is more reactive than carbon in this comparison, so carbon cannot readily remove its oxygen. Electrolysis of a suitable molten magnesium compound is a more appropriate extraction principle.