(a) State two differences in the… | Chemistry

Question 1 Report

(a) State two differences in the chemical properties of metals and non-metals.

(b) List two general methods of extract metals from their ores.

Answer

Answer Details

(a) Chemical differences between metals and non-metals

Metals form basic oxides (and hydroxides), whereas non-metals form acidic oxides.
Metals are electropositive and lose electrons to form positive ions (acting as reducing agents), whereas non-metals are electronegative and gain electrons to form negative ions (acting as oxidising agents).

(b) Two general methods of extracting metals from their ores

Reduction of the metal oxide with carbon (coke), used for moderately reactive metals such as iron and zinc.
Electrolysis of the molten ore or compound, used for very reactive metals such as sodium and aluminium.

(a) State two differences in the chemical properties of metals and non-metals. (b) List two general methods of extract metals from their ores.