# Iron is extracted from its ore in a blast furnace using carbon. Gold, however, is found native (uncombined) in the Earth's crust and does not need to be extracted by chemical reduction. Explain why different metals require different methods of extraction.

> WJEC GCSE Chemistry (Wales) — 2.3 Metals and their extraction · Explain · 4 marks

> Some metals, such as gold, are found as pure metals in the Earth's crust. Other metals, such as iron, are found as compounds in ores and must be extracted using chemical reactions. The method used to extract a metal depends on its reactivity.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. More reactive metals form stable compounds / are strongly bonded to other elements in ores
2. Less reactive metals (such as gold) are found uncombined / as native metals because they do not readily react with other elements
3. Metals found as compounds must be chemically reduced to obtain the pure metal / a chemical reaction is needed to break the compound apart
4. The more reactive the metal, the more difficult / energy-intensive it is to extract it from its compound

## Key terms

- [extraction](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/extraction)
- [reduction](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/reduction)
- [ore](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/ore)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Chemistry (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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