Electrolysis: extracting aluminium
I can explain why electrolysis is required for the extraction of aluminium from its ore and describe the process.
Electrolysis: extracting aluminium
I can explain why electrolysis is required for the extraction of aluminium from its ore and describe the process.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Aluminium is above carbon in the reactivity series and can therefore not be extracted with carbon.
- Impurities are removed from the bauxite ore at the start.
- Cryolite acts as a solvent and allows the electrolysis to take place at a lower temperature.
- Carbon electrodes need to be continuously replaced as they react with oxygen as it is produced, forming carbon dioxide.
- Electrolysis is an expensive process as it requires large amounts of energy.
Keywords
Aluminium oxide - a compound consisting of two aluminum atoms and three oxygen atoms
Bauxite - a sedimentary rock with a high aluminium content
Cryolite - a compound used in the smelting of aluminium to lower the melting point
Common misconception
Understanding why carbon dioxide is produced at the anode, when there is no carbon in aluminium oxide.
Remind students of previous knowledge about combustion reactions. Help them to apply this knowledge to this new situation in the electrolysis cell.
To help you plan your year 11 combined science lesson on: Electrolysis: extracting aluminium, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 combined science lesson on: Electrolysis: extracting aluminium, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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