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Question 1d Zinc can be extracted from its ore by electrolysis or by heating the ore with carbon. Give a reason for the method that is used.

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Question 1d
Zinc can be extracted from its ore by electrolysis or by heating the ore with carbon.
Give a reason for the method that is used.

Question 1d Zinc can be extracted from its ore by electrolysis or by heating the ore with carbon. Give a reason for the method that is used.

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ElizabethProfessional · Tutor for 6 years

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Zinc can be extracted from its ore either by electrolysis or by heating the ore with carbon. The method used depends on various factors. Electrolysis is used when a metal is too reactive to be reduced by carbon or when high purity is required. On the other hand, heating with carbon is a more common and cheaper method used when the metal is less reactive than carbon. In this case, carbon acts as a reducing agent, removing the oxygen from the metal oxide.

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## Step 1: <br />The question asks for a reason why zinc can be extracted from its ore either by electrolysis or by heating the ore with carbon. <br /><br />## Step 2: <br />Zinc can be extracted from its ore, sphalerite (ZnS), through two main methods: electrolysis and heating with carbon (also known as reduction with carbon). <br /><br />### The formula for the reduction with carbon is: <br />**ZnS (s) + C (s) → Zn (l) + CO2 (g)**<br /><br />## Step 3: <br />The choice of method depends on various factors such as cost, availability of resources, and environmental considerations. <br /><br />## Step 4: <br />Electrolysis is a method that uses electric current to drive a non-spontaneous reaction. It is usually used when a metal is too reactive to be reduced by carbon or when high purity is required. <br /><br />## Step 5: <br />On the other hand, heating with carbon (reduction) is a more common and cheaper method. It is used when the metal is less reactive than carbon. In this case, carbon acts as a reducing agent, removing the oxygen from the metal oxide.
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