Most metals are extracted from ores found in the Earth’s crust. The method used to extract a metal from its ore is linked to the reactivity of the metal. Part of the reactivity series is shown in Figure 14. Aluminium is extracted from its ore by electrolysis. Iron is extracted from its ore by heating with carbon. Both metals can also be obtained by recycling. Explain the advantages of recycling aluminium and iron rather than extracting them from their ores. – 9022

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1. Recycling aluminium and iron is much better for the environment and saves valuable resources compared to extracting them from their ores.

   Firstly, recycling helps to conserve raw materials. Aluminium is normally extracted from a rock called bauxite, and iron comes from iron ore. These are natural resources, and they are not unlimited. By recycling metals, we can save these materials so they last longer and don’t run out as quickly.

   Secondly, recycling uses much less energy than extracting metals from ores. For example, extracting aluminium from bauxite requires a lot of electricity through a process called electrolysis. Recycling aluminium needs only a small fraction of that energy. This means we use less fossil fuels like coal, oil, or natural gas, which are usually burned to generate electricity. Saving energy also helps reduce electricity bills and makes the process cheaper overall.

   Thirdly, because less fossil fuel is burned, recycling produces less pollution, especially less carbon dioxide (CO₂). Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. So, recycling helps to lower the carbon footprint and is much better for the environment.

   Also, when we recycle metals, it means we don’t have to dig new mines. Mining for metal ores can be harmful because it destroys habitats, damages the landscape, and causes a lot of pollution. By recycling, we can avoid these problems and help protect animals and the environment.

   Recycling also reduces waste. Instead of throwing away used metal products, we can reuse the metal in them. This reduces the amount of waste going into landfill sites, which are already filling up and can cause environmental problems.

   Finally, recycling avoids the use of large amounts of heat energy needed to extract iron from its ore in a blast furnace. It also avoids releasing extra carbon dioxide from burning carbon (coke), which is used in the extraction process for iron.

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