Question detail
Explain why aluminium is extracted by electrolysis rather than reduction with carbon.
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
Explain why aluminium is extracted by electrolysis rather than reduction with carbon.
Answer
Aluminium is extracted by electrolysis because it is more reactive than carbon, making it difficult to reduce aluminium oxide using carbon. Electrolysis allows for the direct reduction of aluminium ions to aluminium metal.
Explanation
This question assesses the student's ability to apply knowledge of reactivity series and extraction methods. It requires an understanding of why certain metals are extracted using specific methods based on their reactivity.
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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