Question detail
What happens to aluminium ions at the cathode during the electrolysis of aluminium oxide?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Electrolysis
Question
What happens to aluminium ions at the cathode during the electrolysis of aluminium oxide?
Answer
At the cathode, aluminium ions (Al³⁺) gain electrons to form aluminium metal (Al). This process is known as reduction, where the positively charged ions are reduced to a neutral state.
Explanation
This question tests the understanding of the electrolysis process, specifically the reduction of aluminium ions at the cathode. It requires knowledge of ionic behavior and the electrolysis of aluminium oxide.
Common mistake
Aluminium ions are reduced to aluminium metal at the anode
Students often think that aluminium ions gain electrons at the anode, so aluminium metal is produced there
Aluminium ions (Al³⁺) are reduced at the cathode, where they gain three electrons to form aluminium metal (Al). The anode is where oxidation occurs, so oxygen gas is produced from oxide ions.
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