Mining for MetalsMining for Metals

Background InformationBackground Information

Mining for minerals has been taking Mining for minerals has been taking place for hundreds of years. place for hundreds of years.

These minerals are mined to obtain These minerals are mined to obtain pure metal samples.pure metal samples.

Some metals are easier to extract Some metals are easier to extract than others due to their reactivity.than others due to their reactivity.

The SituationThe Situation

You have been recruited with your You have been recruited with your lab partner to determine the ease in lab partner to determine the ease in which several metals will be which several metals will be extracted from an ore.extracted from an ore.

The following metals are to be The following metals are to be tested: Al, Cu, Mg, Na, Li, and Pb.tested: Al, Cu, Mg, Na, Li, and Pb.

You have the following chemicals You have the following chemicals available for testing: distilled Havailable for testing: distilled H22O, O, 0.1 M HCl, 1.0 M HCl, 3.0 M HCl.0.1 M HCl, 1.0 M HCl, 3.0 M HCl.

The Assignment – Part 1The Assignment – Part 1

You are to create and perform an You are to create and perform an experiment to test the reactivity of experiment to test the reactivity of these metals.these metals.

Your experiment needs to be Your experiment needs to be designed such that your results can designed such that your results can be reproduced by any pair of lab be reproduced by any pair of lab partners in your class.partners in your class.

Your experimental design must be Your experimental design must be approved by your teacher before you approved by your teacher before you can conduct the experiment.can conduct the experiment.

The Assignment – Part 2The Assignment – Part 2

After completing your experiment, After completing your experiment, you need to work with your lab you need to work with your lab partner to analyze your data.partner to analyze your data.

If necessary, repeat any part of your If necessary, repeat any part of your experiment to verify results.experiment to verify results.

Form your conclusions.Form your conclusions.

The ReportThe Report

What should be reported?What should be reported?- You and your lab partner’s name- You and your lab partner’s name- Your experimental design- Your experimental design- Your data- Your data- Your analysis of the data- Your analysis of the data- Your conclusions- Your conclusions

(i.e. which metal is the easiest to (i.e. which metal is the easiest to extract extract which metal is the hardest which metal is the hardest to extract)to extract)