Extracting Aluminium Flashcards
1
Q
What is bauxite?
A
Aluminium oxide.
2
Q
Why is cryolite used, and what does it do?
A
It lowers the temperature and makes the reaction cheaper.
3
Q
What happens to the positive electrodes during the reaction?
A
It gets worn down as it is reacting with oxygen.
4
Q
What is the half equation for the cathode?
A
Al3+ +3e- -> Al
5
Q
What is the half equation for the anode?
A
2O2- -> O2 + 4e-
6
Q
What is the equation for the decomposition of aluminium oxide?
A
Aluminium oxide -> aluminium + oxygen
