Name two metals which are obtained by reducing thier oxides by heating with aluminium
How is the metal oxides present in calcined/roasted ore reduced to the metal
Two metals that can be obtained by reducing their oxides with aluminum are chromium and manganese.
The reduction of metal oxides to the respective metals can be achieved through a process called thermite reaction. The main steps involved in this process are:
1. Preparation: First, the metal oxide (in this case, chromium or manganese oxide) is mixed with powdered aluminum. The ratio of the two components is usually determined based on the stoichiometry of the reaction.
2. Heating: The mixture of metal oxide and aluminum is then ignited, typically using a spark or an ignition source. This initiates a highly exothermic reduction reaction.
3. Reduction: The heat generated by the reaction causes the aluminum to react with the oxygen in the metal oxide, resulting in a displacement reaction. The aluminum reduces the metal oxide, while itself being oxidized to aluminum oxide.
4. Product isolation: The molten metal produced as a result of the reduction reaction collects at the bottom, while the aluminum oxide, which is produced as a byproduct, floats on top. The metal can then be separated from the aluminum oxide by pouring off the molten metal.
It is important to note that the thermite reaction is a highly exothermic and reactive process, and it must be carried out with caution and proper safety measures.