SOLUTIONS
Diagnosis Test: AQA CORE Science – Metal ores and alloys (15 marks)
1. What is an ore? (circle the correct answer)
A.
B.
C.
D.
A metal mixed with carbon.
A rock with a high percentage of a metal compound.
Rocks that contain a high percentage of pure metal particles.
A metal combined with oxygen.
(1 mark)
2. Put the following metals in order of their reactivity, identify the most and least reactive.
gold
iron
Most reactive sodium
copper
sodium
magnesium
magnesium
aluminium
iron
copper
aluminium
gold Least reactive
(3 mark)
3. What is the reactivity series? Describe how the reactivity of a metal determines the method of extraction.
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The reactivity series shows the relative reactivity of different metals in relation to each other and carbon.
Metals above carbon must be extracted using electrolysis.
Metals below carbon can be extracted by reduction using carbon, coke, or charcoal.
(3 marks)
4. State two ways in which metals can be extracted from their ores.
Heating with carbon (reduction) and by electrolysis.
(2 marks)
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5. QWC: Explain what an alloy is and why alloys are more useful than pure metals. Give examples of at least two
alloys in your answer.
QWC Suggested marking guidance (Total 6 marks)
Marks awarded for this answer will be determined by the Quality of Written Communication (QWC) as well as the
standard of the scientific response. Teachers should and apply a ‘best-fit’ approach to the marking.
0 marks
No relevant
content.
Level 1 (1-2 marks)
One is discussed.
The spelling, punctuation
and grammar are very
weak.
Level 2 (3-4 marks)
Two are compared.
There is reasonable accuracy in
spelling, punctuation and grammar,
although there may still be some
errors
Level 3 (5-6 marks)
All are discussed and compared.
The answer shows almost faultless
spelling, punctuation and grammar.
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A metal mixed with other elements is called an alloy. They are harder than pure metals.
Pure metals have a regular pattern where layers slide easily over each other.
Alloy – contain other elements that disrupt the regular pattern layers DO NOT slide easily over
each other.
Examples:
 IRON ALLOYS
 Steel  Iron with carbon and/or other elements. Impurities make it brittle. There are a number
of types of steel alloys: Low carbon steel – easily shaped, high carbon steels – very hard, stainless
steels – resistant to corrosion.
ALUMINIUM ALLOYS
 Aluminium naturally soft.
 Mixed with wide range of other elements.
 All have very different properties.
 E.g. in aircraft or armour plating!
COPPER ALLOYS
 Copper naturally soft .
 Bronze (Copper + Tin) Tough, Resistant to corrosion, Brass (Copper + Zinc).
 Harder but workable.
GOLD ALLOYS
 Gold naturally soft.
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Usually add Copper to make jewellery stronger and last longer.
(6 marks)
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