Common Misconceptions

⚠️ Common Misconceptions

Misconception 1: "Aluminium can be extracted by heating the ore with carbon, like iron"

This is incorrect. Aluminium is too reactive — it sits above carbon in the reactivity series, meaning carbon cannot displace it from its oxide. Carbon reduction only works for metals below carbon in the reactivity series (e.g., iron, zinc, lead). Aluminium must be extracted by electrolysis.

Misconception 2: "The cathode is positive"

The cathode is the NEGATIVE electrode. Positive ions (cations like Al³⁺) are attracted to the negative cathode. Remember: CATions go to the CAThode (both start with CAT). The anode is positive and attracts anions (negative ions).

Misconception 3: "Cryolite is the ore of aluminium"

Cryolite (Na₃AlF₆) is not the ore — it is a solvent used to dissolve aluminium oxide, reducing the melting point. The ore of aluminium is bauxite, which contains aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃). Cryolite itself is also found naturally but is used here purely as a solvent.