IGCSE · Chemistry 0620 · Metals

Extraction of metals: IGCSE Chemistry questions with answers

Free Extraction of metals questions for IGCSE Chemistry (0620), part of Metals. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.

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Extraction of metals practice questions

Question 1Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

Iron is extracted from hematite in a blast furnace.
1    Limestone decomposes and the calcium oxide removes silicon(IV) oxide as slag.
2    Iron is more reactive than carbon.
3    Carbon monoxide reduces iron(III) oxide to iron.
Which statements are correct?

  1. A 1, 2 and 3
  2. B 1 and 3 only
  3. C 1 only
  4. D 3 only
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 2Multiple choice · 1 mark

Which term is described by this statement?
“The furnace in which iron is extracted from hematite by reduction with carbon monoxide.”

  1. A group
  2. B cryolite
  3. C reactivity series
  4. D blast furnace
Show answer

Answer: D

Question 3Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

Why is aluminium oxide dissolved in molten cryolite during the extraction of aluminium?

  1. A to stop the carbon anodes burning away
  2. B to reduce the aluminium oxide to aluminium
  3. C to purify the bauxite
  4. D to lower the operating temperature and save energy
Show answer

Answer: D

Question 4Structured · 7 marksA* challenge

Iron is extracted from haematite in a blast furnace.

(a)

Name the three raw materials, other than haematite, added to the blast furnace.

[3]
(b)

Write the equation for the reduction of iron(III) oxide by carbon monoxide.

[2]
(c)

Explain the purpose of the limestone.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)coke, limestone, air
coke (carbon) B1
limestone B1
(hot) air B1
3
(b)Fe₂O₃ + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO₂
correct formulae B1
balanced B1
2
(c)removes silica as slag
limestone decomposes to calcium oxide B1
which reacts with silica (impurities) to form slag B1
2
Question 5Structured · 3 marks

Metals are extracted from ores.

(a)

Explain why gold is found uncombined in the Earth’s crust.

[1]
(b)

Explain why recycling metals is important.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)unreactive
gold is very unreactive B1
1
(b)conserves ores; saves energy
Any 2 of: conserves limited ores; saves energy; reduces mining damage/landfill B2
2
Question 6Structured · 4 marksA* challenge

Zinc is extracted from zinc blende (ZnS).

(a)

Describe the two stages in the extraction of zinc.

[3]
(b)

Suggest why sulfur dioxide is not released into the air.

[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)roast to ZnO; reduce with carbon
roast zinc sulfide in air to form zinc oxide (and sulfur dioxide) B1
heat zinc oxide with carbon B1
zinc is reduced B1
3
(b)acid rain / used to make sulfuric acid
it causes acid rain (it is used to make sulfuric acid) B1
1

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Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in