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Chapter 21: Problem 32

How are the metals magnesium and calcium obtained commercially?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Magnesium is commercially obtained through electrolysis of magnesium chloride, which is made by treating magnesium ores with hydrochloric acid. Calcium, on the other hand, is obtained through the Downs process, which includes transformation of calcium carbonate to calcium oxide via calcination, followed by reduction in an electric arc furnace.

Step by step solution

01

Commercial extraction of Magnesium

Magnesium is commercially produced through an electrolysis process. In this process, magnesium ores, such as dolomite (\(CaCO_{3} . MgCO_{3}\)) and magnesite (\(MgCO_{3}\)), are first converted into magnesium chloride (\(MgCl_{2}\)). This is achieved by treating the ore with hydrochloric acid. The resulting magnesium chloride is then subjected to electrolysis, resulting in the extraction of magnesium.
02

Commercial extraction of Calcium

Calcium is generally obtained commercially through the process known as the Downs process. In this method, calcium carbonate (often sourced from limestone) is first transformed into calcium oxide. This is accomplished via the heating process called calcination. The calcium oxide is then mixed with carbon and heated in an electric arc furnace. This heating process reduces the calcium oxide to pure calcium.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Write a balanced equation for the reaction between calcium oxide and dilute HCl solution.

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