Question detail
Why is aluminium 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
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Electrolysis
Question
- A. Aluminium is more reactive than carbon
- B. Aluminium is less reactive than carbon
- C. Aluminium cannot be reduced by carbon
- D. Electrolysis is cheaper than carbon reduction
Answer
Aluminium is more reactive than carbon
Explanation
Aluminium is more reactive than carbon, making it difficult to reduce using carbon. Electrolysis is used instead to extract aluminium.
Common mistake
Aluminium extraction via carbon reduction
Students think aluminium can be extracted by reducing Al₂O₃ with carbon because aluminium is a metal.
Aluminium oxide is too stable for reduction with carbon; the high temperature required would also melt the carbon anode, so electrolysis is used instead.
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