Question

Explain the chemical method for the extraction of metal with examples.

Answer 1

The chemical method involves converting the ore into a suitable chemical compound and then obtaining the metal by a chemical reaction.

Example:

Zinc is extracted from zinc blende (ZnS). The ore is first converted into zinc oxide by roasting and then reduced with carbon:

\[\ce{2ZnS + 3O2 -> 2ZnO + 2SO2}\]

\[\ce{ZnO + C -> Zn + CO}\]

Another example: Aluminium is extracted from alumina by electrolysis.