What ore is aluminium extracted from, via electrolysis?

Aluminium is extracted from the ore 'bauxite' - the ore contains aluminium oxide.

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Why is cryolite used in the electrolysis of aluminium oxide?

Aluminium oxide has a very high melting point so it would be very expensive to melt. Cryolite lowers the melting point of the aluminium oxide, therefore reducing the cost of the process.

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In the electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide (Al2O3) which 2 ions would be present in the electrolyte?

Al3+ and O2-

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In the electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide (Al2O3) what would form at the positive electrode (anode)?

Oxygen gas: O2

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In the electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide (Al2O3), what would form at the negative electrode (cathode)?

Molten aluminium: Al

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In the electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide (Al2O3), what would be the half equation for the reaction at the positive electrode (anode)?

2O2- ➔ O2 + 4e-

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In the electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide (Al2O3), what would be the half equation for the reaction at the negative electrode (cathode)?

Al3+ + 3e- ➔ Al

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Write the overall balanced symbol equation for the separation of aluminium oxide during electrolysis.

2Al2O3 ➔ 4Al + 3O2

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In the electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide (Al2O3), are the Al3+ ions oxidised or reduced?

The Al3+ ions are reduced as they gain electrons.

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In the electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide (Al2O3), are the O2- ions oxidised or reduced?

The O2- ions are oxidised as they lose electrons.

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