This memory aid covers Memory Aids within Electrolysis of Aluminium for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Electrolysis of Aluminium in Electrolysis for GCSE Chemistry with 21 exam-style questions and 14 flashcards. Use this page as part of a wider topic revision path rather than treating it as an isolated fact. It is section 9 of 13 in this topic. Use it for quick recall, then test yourself straight afterwards so the memory aid becomes usable in an answer.
🧠 Memory Aids
PANIC = Positive Anode, Negative Is Cathode
Use this to remember which electrode is which: the Positive electrode is the Anode, the Negative Is the Cathode.
CATions go to the CAThode — both start with "CAT". ANions go to the ANode — both start with "AN".
OIL RIG — Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons), Reduction Is Gain (of electrons). At the anode = oxidation (loss). At the cathode = reduction (gain).
For the anode burning away: "The ANODE gets ATE — it reacts with oxygen and burns away as CO₂!"
Practice questions for Electrolysis of Aluminium
Why is aluminium extracted by electrolysis rather than by reduction with carbon?
Explain why aluminium is extracted by electrolysis rather than by reduction with carbon.