Give reasons for the following:
(a) Gold and silver are used to make jewellery.
(b) Carbonate and sulphide ores are usually converted into oxides prior to reduction during the process of extraction.
(a) Gold and silver are used to make jewellery because:
- Gold and silver are the most malleable metals.
- Gold and silver are the most ductile metals.
- Gold and silver do not react with air, water and dil acids. Therefore, these metals do not corrode when exposed to atmosphere.
- Gold does not tarnish and retains its luster for years.
(b) Carbonate and sulphide ores are generally converted into oxides prior to reduction during the process of extraction because: It is easier to obtain metals from their oxides than from carbonates or sulphides.