Chapter 21, Problem 21.37SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Using the standard reduction potential for zinc and magnesium, explain why zinc can be reduced with coke while magnesium cannot be reduced using this process.

Concept introduction:

• An ore is a complex mixture of metal-containing mineral and economically worthless material called gangue, consisting of sand, clay, and other impurities.
• Extracting a metal from its ore requires three main steps: (1) concentration of the ore, and if necessary, chemical treatment prior to reduction; (2) reduction of the mineral to the free metal; (3) refining or purification of the metal.
• Roasting is the process of heating the sulfide minerals in air (O₂) to form metal-oxides

To classify:Why zinc can be and magnesium cannotbe reduced with coke.