Science glossary film: Extraction

The process of deriving metals from their naturally occurring ores. Most metals exist in the Earth bound with other elements, such as oxygen and sulfur. A reduction reaction is needed to extract the pure metal. Iron, for example, can be extracted from iron oxide by heating with carbon, while aluminum extraction is achieved through electrolysis of aluminum oxide.

Most metals exist in the Earth bound with other elements, such as oxygen and sulfur. A reduction reaction is needed to extract the pure metal. Iron, for example, can be extracted from iron oxide by heating with carbon, while aluminum extraction is achieved through electrolysis of aluminum oxide.