Metals: Extracting Aluminium Flashcards
1
Q
Why can’t aluminum be extracted by carbon?
A
Aluminum is too reactive
2
Q
What is the aluminum ore?
A
bauxite
3
Q
Describe the process of extracting aluminum (5)
A
.
4
Q
What electrodes are used?
A
Graphite
5
Q
What is cryolite?
A
Na3AlF6
6
Q
Why is molten cryolite used?
A
To lower the melting point - since electrolytes can’t be kept at high temp. for long
To improve conductivity
7
Q
What can also be used to further reduce the melting point of the electrolyte?
A
Calcium Flouride
8
Q
Write all the equations involved in extracting aluminum (4)
A
.
9
Q
What forms at the cathode?
A
Aluminum
10
Q
What forms at the anode?
A
Oxygen
