S = Aluminium extraction

Question 1

Half ionic equations at the anode and at the cathode.

What else is produced at the anode? Why?

Answer 1

CATHODE:
Al3+ + 3e- –> Al

ANODE:
2O2- -4e- –> O2

Forms Carbon dioxide as some of the oxygen reacts with the carbon from the graphite electrodes.

C + O2 –> CO2

Question 2

Melting point of Alumina (Al2O3)

Answer 2

2045 degrees C

Question 3

What is the electrolyte made up of

Answer 3

Al2O3 dissolved in Cryolite. There are also the impurities

Question 4

Reason for using Cryolite

Answer 4

It lowers the temperature that needs to be maintained for electrolysis from 2045 to around 945 degrees C

Question 5

Uses of Aluminium? (3)

Answer 5

• Form alloys
• Car frames and parts
• Bike frames