Question

A metal X which is resistant to corrosion is produced by the electrolysis of its molten oxide whereas another metal Y which is also resistant to corrosion is produced by the reduction of its oxide with carbon. Metal X can be used in powder form in thermite welding whereas metal Y is used in making cathodes of ordinary dry cells.
(a) Name the metals X and Y.
(b) Which of the two metals is more reactive : X or Y?
(c) Name one ore or metal X. Also write its chemical formula.
(d) Name one ore or metal Y. Also write its chemical formula.
(e) Name one alloy of metal X and one alloy of metal Y.

Answer 1

(a) Metal X is aluminium and metal Y is zinc.
Metal X or aluminium is resistant to corrosion and is produced by electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide. Aluminium is used in thermite welding.
Metal Y or zinc is also resistant to corrosion and is produced by reduction of zinc oxide with carbon (reducing agent). Zinc is widely used in making cathodes of ordinary dry cells.

(b) X (aluminium) is more reactive than Y (zinc). Aluminium is placed above zinc in the reactivity series.

(c) One ore of metal X (aluminium) is bauxite ore. The chemical formula of bauxite ore is Al₂O₃.2H₂O.

(d) One ore of metal Y (zinc) is calamine ore. The chemical formula of calamine ore is ZnCO₃.

(e) One alloy of metal X (aluminium) is magnalium, which consists of aluminium and magnesium. One alloy of metal Y (zinc) is brass, which consists of zinc and copper.