EDEXCEL GCSE Science Unit C1 Chemistry in our world
STUDY NOTES
Chemistry Unit C1
Topic 4 Obtaining and using metals
Revision Notes
4.1 Know that:
a) most metals are extracted from ores found in the Earth’s
crust
b) unreactive metals are found in the Earth as the uncombined elements
4.2 Be able to describe how most metals are extracted from their ores by:
a) heating with
carbon, illustrated by iron
b) electrolysis, illustrated by aluminium
(note that knowledge
of the blast furnace or the electrolytic cell for aluminium extraction are not
required)
4.3 Be able to explain why the method used to extract a metal is related to its position
in the reactivity series and cost of the extraction process.
4.4 Revise any practical investigation you
did into
methods for extracting a metal from its ore.
4.5 Be able to recognise and describe oxidation as the gain
of oxygen and reduction as the loss of oxygen.
4.6 Know that the extraction of
metals involves reduction of ores.
4.7 Know that the oxidation of metals
results in corrosion.
4.8 Be able to demonstrate an understanding that a metal’s resistance
to oxidation is related to its position in the reactivity series.
4.9 Be able to discuss the
advantages of recycling metals, including economic implications, and how
recycling preserves both the environment and the supply of valuable raw
materials.
4.10 Be able to describe the uses of metals in relation to their properties,
including:
a) aluminium
b) copper
c) gold
d) steel
4.11 Using models-diagrams be able to explain why converting pure metals into alloys often
increases the strength of the product
4.12 Know and understand that
iron is alloyed with other metals to produce alloy steels with a higher strength
and a greater resistance to corrosion.
4.13 HT only: Be able to describe how alloying changes the
properties of metals, including:
a) smart or shape memory alloys, including
nitinol, an alloy of nickel and titanium
b) gold alloys with higher strength, including fineness (parts per thousand)
and carats to indicate the proportion of pure gold.
4.14 HT only: Be able to demonstrate an understanding that new materials are developed by
chemists to fit new applications, such as the creation of new shape memory
alloys for use, for example, in spectacle frames and as stents in damaged blood
vessels.
Revision Notes and Quizzes to
help you revise
Edexcel GCSE Science
Chemistry
When revising, these pages
provide you with a summary of what you need to know and be able to do.
BUT remember, your primary
source of revision are your class notes, investigations and Edexcel GCSE
science textbooks.