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5 Gold is used to make some jewellery - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 5 - 2013 - Paper 1
Question 5
5 Gold is used to make some jewellery. (a) Explain why gold is used to make jewellery. (b) Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next to your ans... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:5 Gold is used to make some jewellery - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 5 - 2013 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain why gold is used to make jewellery.
Answer
Gold is favored for jewellery for several reasons. First, it does not corrode or tarnish, which maintains its aesthetic appeal over time. Additionally, gold is unreactive, meaning it does not react with water or air, preserving its shine. The metal is also very attractive due to its luster and has considerable value, making it a preferred choice for jewelry.
Step 2
Step 3
Explain why gold alloys are stronger than gold.
Answer
Gold alloys are stronger than pure gold because they contain other metals that add strength. The gold atoms in pure gold are all the same size, which means they can slide over each other easily, making the structure soft. However, when metals of different sizes are added, they disrupt this arrangement. The mixed-sized atoms hinder the movement of each other, locking the layers in place, thus preventing deformation and enhancing the overall strength of the alloy.
Step 4
Explain, in terms of the position of the metal in the reactivity series and the cost of the extraction processes, why iron and aluminium are extracted by different methods.
Answer
Iron and aluminium are extracted using different methods due to their positions in the reactivity series and associated costs. Aluminium is more reactive than iron and requires more energy to be extracted, usually through electrolysis, which is a more expensive process. In contrast, iron can be extracted from its ore using carbon in a furnace, which is a cheaper method since carbon is less reactive and requires less energy. The use of electrolysis for aluminium is necessitated by its high reactivity and the challenge presented by its oxide, which cannot be reduced easily by carbon.