Electrolysis: extracting aluminium

Combined science

In the Using Earth's Resources unit, pupils learned about the extraction, production and uses of hydrocarbons from crude oil, as well as metal extraction.

Electrolysis

Aluminium is above carbon in the reactivity series.

Why can't aluminium be extracted using carbon?

to increase the melting point of aluminium oxide

to lower the melting point of aluminium oxide

What is the role of cryolite in aluminium extraction?

What ions are present in molten aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃)?

During electrolysis, where do aluminium ions move?

It reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide.

Why does the anode need to be replaced during electrolysis?

It uses less energy than extracting new aluminium.

Why is aluminium recycling economically beneficial?

a list of metals ranked by their melting points

a list of metals ranked by their reactivity with water, acids, and oxygen

a table showing how metals combine to form compounds

a list of elements ranked by their atomic numbers

What does the reactivity series of metals help determine?



to split compounds into their elements using electricity

What is electrolysis used for in chemistry?

They contain metals that can be extracted.

large amounts of raw materials and energy

What is required for industrial processes?

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Electrolysis: extracting aluminium

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.