Displacement reactions producing metals in the molten state are known as thermit reactions. An example is the use of the thermit reaction (iron(III) oxide with aluminium) to join railway tracks or repair cracked machine parts.

Carbon (coke) is commonly used as a reducing agent to obtain metals from their oxides. Highly reactive metals like sodium, calcium, and aluminium can displace metals of lower reactivity from their compounds in displacement reactions, functioning as powerful reducing agents ...

In a solution of an ionic compound in water, ions are present, allowing for the conduction of electricity as charged particles move to the opposite electrodes. Ionic compounds in the solid state do not conduct electricity due to their rigid ...

Elements or compounds occurring naturally in the earth’s crust are called minerals, and those with high metal content suitable for profitable extraction are referred to as ores.

Gold, silver, platinum, and copper are found in the free state. Copper and silver are also found in the combined state as sulphide or oxide ores.

Metals at the top of the activity series are highly reactive and are never found in nature as free elements. Moderately reactive metals (Zn, Fe, Pb, etc.) are found mainly as oxides, sulphides, or carbonates in the earth’s crust.

Moderately reactive metals in the middle of the activity series include iron, zinc, lead, and copper. They are typically present as sulphides or carbonates in nature.

Metal sulphides are converted into oxides through roasting, which involves strong heating in the presence of excess air. Carbonate ores are changed into oxides through calcination, achieved by strong heating in limited air.

An alloy is a homogeneous mixture of two or more metals or a metal and a non-metal. It is prepared by melting the primary metal and dissolving other elements in it in definite proportions before cooling to room temperature. Alloys ...

Alloying is a method of improving metal properties by mixing it with other substances. Pure iron is not widely used because it is soft and stretches easily when hot. Mixing it with carbon makes it hard and strong, while adding ...