Electrolysis of Metal Ores

Question 1

When can the electrolysis of metal ores happen?

Answer 1

When the metal has a higher reactivity than carbon

Question 2

Example of the electrolysis of metal ores

Answer 2

Aluminium

Question 3

What is the name of the ore that aluminum is mainly found in?

Answer 3

Bauxite (Aluminium Oxide)

Question 4

What is used to reduce the melting point of Aluminium?

Answer 4

Cryolite

Question 5

Why is cryolite used?

Answer 5

To lower the melting point and lower the energy used to carry out electrolysis.
This makes it easier and cheaper.

Question 6

Process of aluminum being extracted:

Answer 6

1. The positive Al+3 ion moves towards the negative cathode and gains 3 electrons (reduction) to become a pure metal and sinks to the bottom of the tank
2. The negative O-2 ion moves towards the positive anode and loses the 2 electrons (oxidation).
3. The electrodes are made out of graphite (an allotrope of carbon) so when the oxygen is released, the oxygen and carbon react to make carbon dioxide and this cause the electrode to erode and will need to be replaced regularly.