# Zinc can be extracted from zinc oxide by reduction with carbon. Describe what happens during this process and explain why this method is suitable for zinc but cannot be used to extract magnesium from magnesium oxide.

> Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) — 4.1 Obtaining and using metals · Describe and Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Zinc oxide is heated with carbon
2. Carbon reduces the zinc oxide, removing oxygen from it to produce zinc (metal)
3. Zinc is less reactive than carbon (so carbon can displace it / so reduction with carbon is possible)
4. Magnesium is more reactive than carbon so carbon cannot reduce magnesium oxide / electrolysis must be used instead

## Key terms

- [reduction](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/reduction)
- [reduction with carbon](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/reduction-with-carbon)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe and Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/zinc-can-be-extracted-from-zinc-1a062f92) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.