Electrolysis of alluminium oxide

Question 1

When should electrolysis be used?

Answer 1

• To seperate metals from a compound if the metal is more reactive than copper.

Question 2

What are the ions in Alliminium oxide?

Answer 2

Al^3+
and
O^2-

Question 3

Electrolysis of alliminium oxide/?

Answer 3

• Alliminium oxide is mixed with cryolite (lowers melting point making it reduce the energy needed and saves money).
• Alliminimum ions are attracted to the negative cathode and gains electrons to make allimnium atom. (reduction).
• Oxygen ions are attracted to the anode electrode and looses electrons to form oxygen. (Oxidation).

Question 4

Why should the anode be replaced regularly?

Answer 4

• ## Oxygen molecules produced at the anode react with the graphite to form co2.

Question 5

How is electrolysis expensive?

Answer 5

• Melting compounds requires a great deal of energy.

- Lot of energy is required to produce the electric current.