Extraction of iron on a match head

A macro photograph of the head of an unlit matchstick

Source: © Getty Images

Try this practical as a small scale example of metal extraction, reducing iron(III) oxide with carbon on a match head. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

In this experiment, students reduce iron(III) oxide with carbon on a match head to produce iron. The experiment provides a quick example of metal extraction, and can be used to highlight aspects of the reactivity series.

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