Question

State how activity series of metals plays a role in extraction of metals from oxides.

  • Electrolysis
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Answer

Depending on the ease with which the metals lose their electrons and form ions they are arranged in metal activity series or electrochemical series.

The arrangement is so done that the elements that ionize most readily [discharged with great difficulty] are placed at the top of the series and other elements in the descending order.

Metals at the top of the series (eg. K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al) ionize most readily. Being highly reactive, they cannot be reduced by common reducing agent like C, CO, H2.

Metals at the middle of the activity series (eg. Zn, Fe, Pb, Cu), being less reactive, can be extracted from their ores by reduction with common reducing agents like C, CO, H2.

Metals near the bottom of the activity series (eg. Hg, Ag), due to their very low reactivity, can be extracted from their ores, by heating only.

Metal at the bottom of the activity series (Au, Pt) exist in native state .

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