What is the science of extracting metals from their naturally occurring materials and preparing them for use?

The science of extracting metals from their naturally occurring materials and preparing them for use is known as metallurgy. This field encompasses various processes involved in the extraction of metals from ores, the refining of these metals, and the study of their properties and applications. Metallurgy plays a crucial role in turning raw materials into usable metal products, which are essential for constructing tools, machinery, and infrastructure.

In addition to extraction, metallurgy also includes the study of metal alloys and how various methods can alter the physical and chemical properties of metals, making them suitable for different applications. This discipline combines principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to optimize metal production processes and improve material performance.

Alchemy, while historically significant, primarily focused on the transformation of substances and the pursuit of turning base metals into gold, rather than the systematic study of metal extraction. Catalysis pertains to the acceleration of chemical reactions often involving the use of catalysts, while electrochemistry studies the relationship between electricity and chemical change, which is not specifically focused on extracting metals from ores.