Summarizing Occurrence and Preparation of the Representative Metals

Key Concepts and Summary

Because of their chemical reactivity, it is necessary to produce the representative metals in their pure forms by reduction from naturally occurring compounds. Electrolysis is important in the production of sodium, potassium, and aluminum. Chemical reduction is the primary method for the isolation of magnesium, zinc, and tin. Similar procedures are important for the other representative metals.

Glossary

chemical reduction

method of preparing a representative metal using a reducing agent

Downs cell

electrochemical cell used for the commercial preparation of metallic sodium (and chlorine) from molten sodium chloride

Hall–Héroult cell

electrolysis apparatus used to isolate pure aluminum metal from a solution of alumina in molten cryolite

Pidgeon process

chemical reduction process used to produce magnesium through the thermal reaction of magnesium oxide with silicon