Question 39
Metals and their CompoundsA common characteristic shared by iron and aluminium is that both
- A.are extracted by reduction methods
- B.form only basic oxides
- C.show oxidation states of +2 and +3
- D.form soluble hydroxides.
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: A (are extracted by reduction methods)
Explanation
Both metals are obtained from their ores by reduction: iron by carbon(II) oxide in the blast furnace and aluminium by electrolytic reduction. Aluminium oxide is amphoteric, aluminium shows only +3, and both hydroxides are insoluble.