Explain the extraction of metals low in the reactivity series.

1.	Explain the extraction of metals low in the reactivity series.
Answer» SOLUTION :Metals low in the reactivity SERIES are very UNREACTIVE. The oxides of these metals can be reduced to metals by heating alone.For example, Cinnabar (HgS) is an ore of mercury. When it is heated in air, it is first converted into mercuric oxide (HgO) then, mercuric oxide is reduced to mercury (HG) on further heating. `2HgS(s) + 3O_2(g) overset("HEAT")(to) 2HgO(s) + 2SO_2 (g)` `2HgO(s) overset("heat")(to) 2Hg(l) + O_2(g)` Thus, mercury is separated. Similarly, copper which is found as `Cu_2S`in nature can be obtained from its ore by heating in air. Here, `Cu_2S`is reduced to Cu. `2Cu_2S(s) + 3O_2(g) overset("heat")(to) 2Cu_2O(s) + 2SO_2(g)` `2Cu_2O(s) + Cu_2S(s) overset("heat")(to) 6Cu(s) + SO_2(g)`

Discussion