Mass calculations - Higher

Given the equation for the extraction of a metal, it is possible to calculate the mass of
metal produced by a particular mass of mineral.

Example calculation
What mass of iron metal can be made from 5 tonnes of iron(III) oxide?

The equation is:

2Fe2O3(s) + 3C(s) = 4Fe(l) + 3CO2(g)

Using the Periodic Table, the relative atomic mass of each element can be found.

Relative atomic mass (Ar) of each element is:

C = 12, Fe = 56, O = 16

These relative atomic masses can be used to find the formula masses of the metal
compound.

Fe2O3 has the formula mass = (2 x 56) + (3 x 16) = 160

From the equation, 2Fe2O3 produces 4Fe. Working this out in tonnes gives:

2Fe2O3 = (2 x 160) = 320 tonnes produces 4Fe = (4 x 56) = 224 tonnes of iron metal.

Therefore:

5 tonnes of iron(III) oxide produces 5 x 224/320 = 3.5 tonnes of iron.

Example - simpler method

It is also possible to calculate the maximum mass of a metal that can be obtained from a
specific mass of ore by comparing their formulae.

Fe2O3 contains 2Fe

So 160 tonnes of Fe2O3 contains 2 x 56 = 112 tonnes of Fe

Therefore:

5 tonnes of iron(III) oxide produces 5 x 112/160 = 3.5 tonnes of iron.