Extraction of metals: past paper questions
Real questions on extraction of metals
The newest 20 of 55 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0971/62 · May/June 2026 · Q4[6]
Tin is a metal that is between copper and iron in the reactivity series. The ore cassiterite contains the compound tin(IV) oxide, SnO,. Tin(IV) oxide is insoluble in water and reacts with dilute acids to form an aqueous solution of a salt. The ore cassiterite contains no other compounds that are insoluble in water and...
See it on the paper → - 0971/32 · October/November 2025 · Q6a(i)[1]
Name the main ore of aluminium.
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · October/November 2025 · Q2a(i)[1]
State the name of the main iron ore used in the blast furnace. (i)
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · October/November 2025 · Q2a(ii)[1]
State how the main source of heat is provided in the blast furnace.
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · October/November 2025 · Q2a(iii)[1]
Name the gaseous reducing agent in the blast furnace.
See it on the paper → - 0971/31 · May/June 2025 · Q1b[1]
a metal that is extracted in the blast furnace
See it on the paper → - 0971/41 · May/June 2025 · Q1e[1]
contains aluminium oxide
See it on the paper → - 0971/41 · May/June 2025 · Q1h[1]
is produced when limestone thermally decomposes in the blast furnace
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · May/June 2025 · Q3d(i)[1]
Name this ore of aluminium.
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · May/June 2025 · Q4a(i)[1]
Complete the equation for this reaction. FeCr 2 O 4 + 4C Fe + 2Cr +
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · May/June 2025 · Q4a(ii)[1]
Suggest one disadvantage of extracting chromium by reacting chromite with carbon.
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · October/November 2024 · Q2a[1]
State the name of the main ore of aluminium.
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · October/November 2024 · Q2b[1]
Name the substance mixed with aluminium oxide to reduce the operating temperature of the process.
See it on the paper → - 0971/31 · May/June 2024 · Q3a[1]
Name the main ore of aluminium.
See it on the paper → - 0971/41 · May/June 2024 · Q1c[1]
extract aluminium from purified bauxite
See it on the paper → - 0971/41 · May/June 2024 · Q6a(i)[1]
Coke and iron ore are added at the top of the blast furnace. Name one other substance that is added at the top of the blast furnace.
See it on the paper → - 0971/41 · May/June 2024 · Q6a(ii)[1]
Name the substance that leaves the blast furnace at A.
See it on the paper → - 0971/41 · May/June 2024 · Q6a(iii)[1]
Slag is produced from an impurity in iron ore. Name the impurity in iron ore that is converted into slag.
See it on the paper → - 0971/41 · May/June 2024 · Q6a(iv)[1]
Name two substances that react together to produce the high temperature in the blast furnace. and
See it on the paper → - 0971/41 · May/June 2024 · Q6a(v)[2]
Name two waste gases that leave the blast furnace.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Most candidates correctly recalled that iron is extracted in the blast furnace. A common incorrect answer was to suggest aluminium.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0971/31 Q1(b) (Cambridge)
This was answered very well. Sulfur dioxide was seen occasionally.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0971/41 Q1(h) (Cambridge)
Bauxite was known by nearly all candidates including many ‘near-miss’ spellings.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0971/42 Q3(d)(i) (Cambridge)
Past papers, syllabus and examiner reports © UCLES (Cambridge University Press & Assessment). Questions are matched to topics from the official syllabus. AssessPro is independent and not endorsed by Cambridge.