About Amy Expertise I love understanding how things work, especially when it comes to living
things. I`ve spent most of my life studying science and love passing on
this knowledge to kids. I currently work in a children`s science museum
where I`ve designed science exhibits on all sorts of topics; including
predators, music, weather, water, technology and much, much more! I`m
happy to answer questions about anything you have problems with at
school or help you with science projects. Also, I can help teachers
with ideas for classroom activities. Please note that I don`t answer
homework questions.
Experience I have an honours degree in Biochemistry and work as a science communicator for the National Science and Technology Centre in Australia.
Question Which metal is most likely obtained by the electrolysis of its fused salts?
(1)Au
(2)Ag
(3)Li
(4)Zn
The answer is 3. And I think it has something to do with Li being a regular metal in group 1 while the other 3 are transitional metals in groups 11 & 12. But I don't understand the connection if there is one
Answer Hi heres some information about reduction of metal oxides to get the metal. This should clarify things a little
Thanks,
Amy
The ores of most metals contain the metal in an oxidized state. The form in which a metal occurs is related to the chemical activity of the metal and the stability of its compounds.
Reduction of the ore is necessary to obtain the metal, the method of reduction depending on the activity of the metal and the type of ore.
The most active metals are obtained from their fused compounds by electrolytic reduction.
2NaCl(fused) + electricity --> 2Na + Cl2 (Na = group 1 metal)
Metals that form relatively stable compounds can be liberated from their compounds by stronger reducing agents. For example, in the production of chromium, aluminum reduces the chromium oxide.
2 Al + Cr2O3 --> Al2O3 + 2Cr
Moderately active metals like zinc and iron are obtained by reduction of their oxides by carbon (coke) or carbon monoxide.
ZnO + C + heat --> Zn + CO
Fe2O3 + 3CO + heat --> 3CO2 + 2Fe
Supplementary Information
In general, compounds of metals that occur in nature have high stability and low solubility in water.
Groups 1 and 2 metals are obtained by electrolysis of their fused salts.
Many metals are found as sulfides and carbonates. These ores are converted to the oxide form and then reduced by carbon.
