Occurrence and Extraction of Metals
Last Updated : 04 Mar, 2022
Metals are minerals or substances that occur naturally beneath the Earth's surface. The majority of metals are lustrous or glossy. Metals are inorganic, which implies they were formed from non-living substances. Metals are typically found in the form of metal ores, which are linked to one another and to a variety of other elements. They are also found naturally in rocks washed by surface and groundwater, as well as in air dust.
Properties of metals
- All metals are good heat and electrical conductors. Metals are used in cooking utensils and irons because they conduct heat well.
- The capacity of a substance to be stretched into a wire is known as ductility. This ability enables metals to be pulled into wires, which, when combined with their resilience, find usage as cable wires and for soldering. Metals are said to be ductile because they can be pulled into wires.
- The feature of substances that permits them to be beaten into flat sheets is known as malleability. Aluminium sheets are used in the production of airplanes because of their lightweight and strength. Other metal sheets are used in the motor industry, to make utensils, and so on. As a result, metals are malleable.
- Metals are sonorous because when struck with another hard object, they generate a loud or ringing sound.
- All metals have a shiny appearance by nature, however certain metals can also be polished to have a shiny appearance.
Occurrence of metals
The earth's crust is rich in metals and contains metals. Metals are most usually found in their combined state in nature, however, they can also be found in their free state. A native metal is a metal that exists naturally in its pure form or as an alloy. Most metals are unable to withstand natural processes like oxidation and corrosion. As a result, only non-reactive metals like gold, silver, and platinum have been identified in their native or free state. Most metals are obtained as compounds, which must be filtered to remove contaminants before they can be used in various applications. The extraction of metals from ores is referred to as metallurgy, and these naturally occurring metal complexes are referred to as minerals. Mining is the most common way of extracting metals from the earth.
Minerals are all ores, but not all ores are minerals. Ores are minerals that contain metals. Different metals are extracted using various processes. For example, common metals such as iron are smelted with carbon as a reducing agent. Few metals, such as aluminium and sodium, lack a commercially viable reducing agent and must be removed through electrolysis. Sulfide ores are not immediately converted to metal, but rather roasted in air to convert them to oxides.
The gangue or matrix is an undesired, commercially ineffective mixture of rocky, earthy, or sandy elements found with the ores. These are the contaminants that are removed at a later stage.
The term 'alloy' refers to a material created by the combining of two or more metals. Alloys can also be created by combining metals and other elements. Alloy qualities are frequently substantially different from the properties of their constituent components. When compared to pure metals, alloys frequently offer higher strength and hardness. Red gold is an example of an alloy, which is created by combining copper with gold. Another notable gold alloy is white gold, which is created by combining silver and gold.
Metallic bonding is common in alloys. The elements of an alloy are measured in terms of their mass percentage in practically all practical applications. However, the components of alloys are quantified in terms of their atomic fractions in some scientific research. It is vital to note that alloys are divided into two types based on the atomic arrangements in their respective lattices: substitutional alloys and interstitial alloys. Furthermore, alloys can be classed based on the total number of phases present. Homogeneous alloys, for example, have only one phase, whereas heterogeneous alloys have two or more phases.
Extraction of Metals
The presence of metals in nature is simply one aspect of the process; these metals must also be extracted. Metallurgy is the extraction of metals. The concentration of ores is the first step in the extraction of metals.
The ores include many contaminants that must be purified. Concentration is the process of removing contaminants from ores. Gravity separation, hydraulic washings, and froth flotation are all methods of concentration.
- Metals of high reactivity level
Metals at the top of the reactivity scale, such as sodium, magnesium, calcium, and so on, cannot be produced from their compounds by heating with carbon because they are too reactive. Such metals are obtained through electrolytic reduction.
- Metals of medium reactivity level
Metals in the center of the reactivity series, such as lead, zinc, copper, and so on, are moderately reactive and are commonly found as carbonates or sulfides. Heat is used to transform sulfide ores into oxides in the presence of abundant air. Roasting is the process by which sulfur impurities escape as gas. Carbonate ores are calcined to remove impurities such as carbonate and moisture. Calcination is a process that converts ore into oxides by rapidly heating it in the presence of excess air.
- Metals of low reactivity level
Metals with low reactivity are put at the bottom of the reactivity series. Heating alone can reduce these metals to metals. For example, heating is used to extract mercury from its mineral, cinnabar (HgS). Heating can also be used to extract copper from its sulfide ore (Cu2S).
Sample Problems
Question 1: What’s are metals?
Solution:
In chemistry, a metal is an element that rapidly produces positive ions (cations) and has metallic connections. Metals are sometimes depicted as a lattice of positive ions by a cloud of delocalized electrons.
Question 2: What is the hardest metal in the world?
Solution:
Tungsten has the highest tensile strength of any natural metal, but it is fragile and looks to shatter down on contact.
Question 3: What happens if you touch calcium metal?
Solution:
Calcium will react with water or moisture that causes heat. When calcium metal comes into touch with moisture in the eyes, body, or respiratory tract, it can produce severe corrosive irritation.
Question 4: What is the softest metal?
Solution:
Caesium is thought to be the softest metal, whereas lead is thought to be one of the softest metals. Mercury is a liquid at ambient temperature. At body temperature, gallium is a liquid, while at room temperature, it is a solid (if soft).
Question 5: What is gangue?
Solution:
The gangue or matrix is an undesired, commercially ineffective mixture of rocky, earthy, or sandy elements found with the ores. These are the contaminants that are removed at a later stage.
Similar Reads
CBSE Notes for Class 10 Science CBSE Class 10 Science Notes 2023-2024 are developed by experts from the latest class 10 science textbooks. These Class 10 Quick Revision notes help students to score well in the upcoming CBSE Board exams. CBSE Science Notes for Class 10 is a crucial study material for students. CBSE Class 10 Science
13 min read
Chapter 1 - Chemical Reactions and Equations
Chapter 2 - Acids, Bases, and Salts
Chapter 3 - Metals and non–metals
Chapter 4 - Carbon and its Compounds
Covalent BondA covalent bond is formed when two atoms exchange one or more pairs of electrons. Both the atomic nuclei of the shared atom together attract these electrons. When the difference between the electronegativities of two atoms is too small for an electron transfer to take place to create ions, a covalen
11 min read
What are Hydrocarbons?Alkanes and cycloalkanes are hydrocarbons with no double or triple bond functional groups, depending on whether the carbon atoms of the molecule are organized in chains or rings. Alkenes and alkynes are hydrocarbons with double or triple bonds, respectively. The following mentioned are the rules for
11 min read
Chemical Properties of Carbon CompoundsHydrocarbons are the most abundant carbon compounds such as alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes. We'll now discuss some of the chemical properties of hydrocarbons, which are carbon compounds. Combustion reactions, substitution reactions, and addition reactions are the chemical properties that will be disc
9 min read
Classification of Organic CompoundsOrganic compounds are defined as chemical compounds which contain carbon atoms linked with other elements through simple covalent bonds. These elements could be connected by single covalent bonds, double covalent bonds, or triple covalent bonds. In other words, we can say that all organic compounds
12 min read
Cleansing Action of Soaps and DetergentsIn our day to day lives, we often use detergents and soaps to clean the dirt off our clothes. Have you ever wondered what soap molecule is made up of or how it cleanses the dirt? In this article, we shall look upon the structure of soap and its cleansing action but before that, we shall give a simpl
6 min read
Chapter 5 - Life Process
Nutrition In Human Beings - Carbohydrates, Vitamins, Proteins and FatsNourishment is a cycle by which an organic entity gets supplements from food and uses them to get energy and for building and fixing its tissues. All living life forms don't acquire food by a similar interaction, for example, plants and a few microbes have the green color chlorophyll to assist with
10 min read
RespirationRespiration is an essential biological activity in which the exchange of gases between an organism and its surroundings occurs, producing the energy needed for cellular functions. All living things, from the most basic bacteria to intricate complex organisms like humans, experience it. There are two
7 min read
Body Fluids and CirculationClass 11 Notes Body Fluids and Circulation: Body liquids are the mode of transport of supplements, oxygen, and other significant substances in the body. They supply the cells with oxygen and nutrients and remove waste products, which are then excreted in the urine. As body temperature rises, blood f
10 min read
Means of Transportation In PlantsPlants are very important for our daily needs. Plants give oxygen because of photosynthesis by taking carbon dioxide that we release this is why plants are important for our living process. The plant is the first living organism on the earth. One living organism that is in every part of the earth is
8 min read
Human Excretory SystemThe human excretory system, also known as the urinary system, comprises kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The human excretory system filters waste products and excess substances from the bloodstream, resulting in the formation of urine. In addition to waste elimination, the excretory system pl
11 min read
Excretion In Plants - Definition, Types, Transpiration, ExamplesExcretion in plants is the process via which plants eliminate waste products and other unwanted substances from their cells and tissues. Plants produce metabolic waste products like other organisms, such waste products are must be removed from the plant's body to maintain its health and survival. Pl
4 min read
Chapter 6 - Control and Coordination
Human Nervous System - Structure, Function, and TypesThe Human Nervous System is a network of specialized cells and tissues that includes the brain, spinal cord, and a complex network of peripheral nerves. The types of nervous systems and their functions are discussed in this article. The human nervous system is responsible for receiving, transmitting
8 min read
Reflex ActionReflex action is an involuntary and automatic response to a specific stimulus. Reflex action is a type of behavior that is not consciously controlled by the brain, but rather, it is mediated by the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Reflex action is an essential survival mechanism that allows an org
4 min read
Brain Anatomy: Structure, Parts, and FunctionThe Human Brain is a complex organ and is also known as the central processing unit of the body. It is enclosed inside the bony covering called the cranium (or skull). The brain consists of the cerebrum, responsible for higher cognitive functions; the cerebellum, involved in coordination and balance
9 min read
Coordination in PlantsCoordination in plants is the mechanisms and processes via which plants react and adapt to changes in their environment. As plants don't have nervous system like animals does, plant exhibit a remarkable ability to coordinate their growth, development, and responses to various stimuli. Plant coordina
6 min read
Movement Due to Growth in PlantsControl is characterized as the force of limiting and managing by which a cycle can be begun, directed in speed to accelerate or dial back or stop totally. Coordination can be characterized as the cooperating of the various frameworks of a creature to deliver a suitable response to upgrades. The coo
6 min read
Hormones In AnimalsHormones in Animals are small chemical secretions that are produced by special glands known as Endocrine Glands. All animals including humans produce hormones that allow the body to perform specific functions. Hormones are of different types- peptide-based, amino acid-derived, or steroid-based. Some
8 min read
Chapter 7 - How do Organisms Reproduce?
Chapter 8 - Heredity
HeredityThe transmission of particular characters from parents to offspring is termed Heredity and Evolution. When a living organism is developed or gradually progressed from a simple life form to a complex organism it is termed Evolution. In all living organisms, the rules of inheritance determine the patt
10 min read
How do the Traits and Characters get expressed?The most fundamental and important aspects of biology are heredity and evolution, which are connected by inheritable features. These two terminologies assist us in learning and comprehending how the life cycle on Earth continues. Both concepts are tied to one another, and there can be no evolution w
8 min read
Evolution - Introduction, Causes, Need, ExamplesThe term "heritability" describes the transmission of traits from generation to generation. The slow process through which a rudimentary living form develops into sophisticated organisms over the course of many generations is known as evolution. Evolution is a perceptible shift in a population's her
6 min read
Acquired and Inherited Traits - Definition, Differences, ExamplesTo ensure the survival of one species, it is very much necessary to have a reproduction process. In the reproduction process, there are two types of reproduction, namely asexual and sexual reproduction. Some amount of variation can be observed in the new ones. In asexual reproduction, these variatio
9 min read
Speciation and EvolutionThrough the process of reproduction, individuals give rise to new individuals that are similar (not the same) to the parents. This similarity in progeny or offspring or child is due to the transmission of characters or traits from parents to their progeny. The transfer of characters from parents to
5 min read
Basis of ClassificationCells are one of the most important characteristics of living beings because they are the basic beginning of life. They are the basic unit of life that perform specific functions. All of these cells combine to form a tissue. All over the world, there is an abundance of living organisms. Mega biodive
6 min read
Tracing Evolutionary RelationshipsThe transfer of traits from one generation to the next is known as heredity, also known as inheritance or biological inheritance. Whether by asexual reproduction or sexual reproduction, the offspring cells or organisms acquire the genetic makeup of their parents. Variations between people can accumu
10 min read
FossilsA fossil is a preserved remnant, impression, or trace of an animal or plant from a past geologic age by some natural process. Just a small proportion of extinct species have been preserved as fossils, and often only those with a solid skeleton are capable of being preserved. A calcareous skeleton or
13 min read
Evolution Of Humans - History, Stages, Characteristics, FAQsHumans, or Homo sapiens, are a species of upright-walking beings known for their cultural diversity, inhabiting the Earth's surface. Believed to have originated in Africa around 315,000 years ago, human evolution is a complex process involving the development of traits such as bipedalism and languag
6 min read
Chapter 9 - Light – Reflection and Refraction
Reflection of LightReflection or Reflection of light is the process of bouncing back light rays when it strikes the smooth and shiny reflecting surface. It is due to the reflection of light we are able to see ourselves in the Plane mirror. Light from our incident on the plane mirror gets reflected and so we are able t
6 min read
Refraction of LightRefraction is an important term used in the Ray Optics branch of Physics. Refraction of light is defined as the change in direction or the bending of a wave passing from one medium to another due to the change in speed of the wave. Some natural phenomena occurring in nature where refraction of light
11 min read
Spherical MirrorsSpherical mirrors are generally constructed from glass. A spherical surface is a part cut from a hollow sphere. This curved surface of the glass has a silver coating on one side and a polished surface on the other, where the reflection of light takes place. The term "convex mirror" refers to a mirro
11 min read
Image Formation by Spherical MirrorImage Formation by Spherical Mirror-You might have observed that the image formed in the side view mirror of a car is smaller while the image formed in the rear-view mirror is larger than the actual size of the objects. The dentist uses a small mirror to examine the teeth of a patient. You might hav
8 min read
Image Formation in Convex MirrorConvex Mirror also called Diverging Mirror is a curved reflective surface that bulges outward. The image formed by a convex mirror is always erect, virtual, and diminished in size. The image formed by a convex mirror is generally formed behind the mirror. In this article, we will understand the mean
6 min read
Sign Convention for Spherical MirrorsSign Convention for Spherical Mirrors: While studying the reflection of light by spherical mirrors and the formation of images by spherical mirrors, a set of sign conventions are needed to learn that is required to measure the focal length, the distance of the object or image from the mirror, and th
10 min read
Mirror Formula and MagnificationThe light gets reflected or refracted from the surfaces or medium. Any surface which is polished or in other words shiny always acts like a mirror be it of any kind. The observation of light bouncing off or getting back from the surfaces is termed as reflection. The light after the case of reflectio
9 min read
Refractive IndexRefractive Index is a property of any material which is used to define the ratio between the speed of light in a medium to the speed in a vacuum. It is denoted by the symbol μ. When travelling in a medium other than the vacuum light particles are absorbed and re-emit by the medium which slows down t
12 min read
Image Formation by LensesIn optics, a ray is a geometrical representation of the light that is idealized by choosing a curve that is perpendicular to the wave fronts of actual light and points in the energy flow direction. Rays are used to represent the propagation of light through an optical system by separating the real l
9 min read
Lens Sign ConventionA lens in optics is a transparent device with curved surfaces that refract light. It can be converging or diverging based on its shape. The lens sign convention, or Cartesian sign convention, helps determine the nature, size, and position of images formed by lenses accurately. It clarifies the posit
9 min read
Lens Formula and MagnificationThe light is an electromagnetic, transverse, wave that can be seen or caught by the typical human eye. The wave nature of light was first illustrated through the experiments on diffraction and interference. When these light rays fall onto the lenses then lenses behave depending on the type of lens i
12 min read
Power of a lensWrite a program to determine the power of a lens . Power of a lens is its ability to bend light . For a convex lens, the converging ability is defined by power and in a concave lens, the diverging ability . The diopter ( D ) is the unit of measuring power of a lens . The power is defined as the reci
3 min read