Obtaining and using metals

Deduce the relative reactivity of various metals by observing their reactions with water, acids, and salt solutions.

Explain displacement reactions as redox reactions, specifically detailing the gain and loss of electrons.

Explain the reactivity series of metals in terms of their tendency to form cations when reacting with water and dilute acids.

Recall that most metals are extracted from ores found in the Earth's crust, whereas unreactive metals exist as uncombined elements.

Explain oxidation as the gain of oxygen and reduction as the loss of oxygen in a chemical context.

Recall that the extraction of metals from their ores inherently involves reduction processes.

Explain how a metal's position in the reactivity series and extraction costs determine its extraction method, comparing heating with carbon to electrolysis.

Evaluate alternative biological methods for metal extraction, specifically bacterial extraction and phytoextraction.

Explain the relationship between a metal's position in the reactivity series and its relative resistance to oxidation.

Evaluate the economic and environmental advantages of recycling metals, including the preservation of raw materials.

Describe the purpose and stages of a life-cycle assessment for a product, from raw material extraction to final disposal.