11. Principles of Metallurgy

Metallurgy is the branch of chemistry that deals with the extraction of metals from their ores and their purification. Most metals are found in nature as compounds mixed with impurities, called ores. In this lesson, students learn the important steps involved in metallurgy, such as concentration of ore, roasting or calcination, reduction, and refining to obtain pure metals.

The chapter explains how different metals like iron, copper, and aluminum are extracted using suitable methods depending on their chemical properties. Understanding the principles of metallurgy helps us know how the metals used in machines, buildings, vehicles, and electronic devices are produced and purified for practical use in everyday life.