Name the English scientist, pictured on the right, who
isolated the elements sodium and potassium in the early 1800s - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question 11 - 2011
Question 11
Name the English scientist, pictured on the right, who
isolated the elements sodium and potassium in the early 1800s.
(i) What technique did he use to isolate sodiu... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Name the English scientist, pictured on the right, who
isolated the elements sodium and potassium in the early 1800s - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question 11 - 2011
Step 1
What technique did he use to isolate sodium and potassium?
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Answer
The English scientist, Humphry Davy, used electrolysis to isolate sodium and potassium. This technique involves passing an electric current through a molten or dissolved compound to separate its elements.
Step 2
Explain why sodium cannot be extracted in a similar way.
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Answer
Sodium cannot be extracted from its ores in a blast furnace because it is too reactive and forms stable salts. Therefore, it cannot be reduced by carbon or other methods typically used in smelting.
Step 3
How is iron galvanised?
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Answer
Iron is galvanised by being coated with zinc, either by dipping it in molten zinc or applying a zinc coating. This process prevents corrosion and extends the life of the iron.
Step 4
How does galvanising protect iron from corrosion?
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Answer
Galvanising protects iron from corrosion by providing a barrier that excludes air and moisture. Additionally, zinc preferentially oxidises and acts as a sacrificial metal, which means that zinc will corrode instead of the underlying iron.
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