Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the extraction of metals in accordance with the activity series?
I. Highly reactive metals (like sodium and potassium) are extracted by electrolysis of their molten compounds.
II. Moderately reactive metals (zinc, iron, lead, etc.) are extracted by reduction using carbon or carbon monoxide.
III. Less reactive metals (copper, mercury) can be obtained simply by heating ores.

Choose the correct option

Question

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the extraction of metals in accordance with the activity series?

I. Highly reactive metals (like sodium and potassium) are extracted by electrolysis of their molten compounds.

II. Moderately reactive metals (zinc, iron, lead, etc.) are extracted by reduction using carbon or carbon monoxide.

III. Less reactive metals (copper, mercury) can be obtained simply by heating ores.

Choose the correct option

Quintessence Classes · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is All of the above. I. Highly Reactive Metals (Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Aluminium)Mechanism: These metals are placed at the very top of the activity series. They have a very high affinity for oxygen and cannot be reduced by carbon.Extraction Method: They are extracted through the electrolysis of their molten chloride or oxide compounds. For example, sodium is obtained at the cathode by the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride (NaCl).II. Moderately Reactive Metals (Zinc, Iron, Lead)Mechanism: These metals are placed in the middle of the activity series. They are usually found in nature as oxides, sulfides, or carbonates.Extraction Method: Sulfide and carbonate ores are first converted into metal oxides (via roasting or calcination). These oxides are then reduced to the free metal using a reducing agent like carbon (coke) or carbon monoxide. For example, zinc oxide (ZnO) is reduced to zinc using carbon.III. Less Reactive Metals (Copper, Mercury)Mechanism: These metals are situated near the bottom of the activity series. Their oxides are chemically unstable when heated.Extraction Method: They can be obtained simply by heating their ores in the presence of air (self-reduction). For example, heating cinnabar (HgS, an ore of mercury) first converts it to mercuric oxide (HgO), which upon further heating decomposes directly into liquid mercury metal.

Answer

Only II

Answer

Only I and III

Answer

Only II and III

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