Metals that are more reactive than carbon can be extracted from their ores using electroysis
Electrolysis requires a lot of heat and electrical energy , making it an expensive process
Explain what gets formed at each electrode during the electrolysis of aluminium oxide?
The aluminium oxide gets mixed with cryolite , and gets heated to form molten aluminium oxide
The aluminium ions get attracted to the cathode , where they gain3 electrons to form aluminium atoms
The oxide ions get attracted to the anode , where they lose2 electrons to form oxygen atoms , which react with the carbon from the graphite electrode , to form carbon dioxide
Cryolite is a compound of aluminium
Cryolite lowers melting point of aluminium oxide , meaning less energy is required - this means cheaper energy costs
During the electrolysis of aluminium oxide, oxygen gas forms at the anode , which reacts with carbon to form carbon dioxide - this wears away the anode so it has to be replaced regularly
