PrepWisePrepWiseElectrolysis of Aluminium
ElectrolysisTopic Summary

Topic Summary: Electrolysis of Aluminium

Part of Electrolysis of Aluminium — GCSE Chemistry

This topic summary covers Topic Summary: Electrolysis of Aluminium within Electrolysis of Aluminium for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Electrolysis of Aluminium in Electrolysis for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 0 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 13 of 13 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 13 of 13

Practice

20 questions

Recall

0 flashcards

Topic Summary: Electrolysis of Aluminium

Key Terms
  • Electrolysis — decomposition using electricity
  • Cathode — negative electrode (reduction)
  • Anode — positive electrode (oxidation)
  • Cryolite — solvent that lowers melting point
  • Bauxite — aluminium ore (contains Al₂O₃)
  • Half equation — equation showing electron transfer
Must-Know Facts
  • Al is too reactive for carbon reduction
  • Cryolite lowers mp from 2072°C to ~950°C
  • Cathode: Al³⁺ + 3e⁻ → Al (reduction)
  • Anode: 2O²⁻ → O₂ + 4e⁻ (oxidation)
  • Anodes burn away: C + O₂ → CO₂
  • Recycling saves 95% of energy
  • Overall: 2Al₂O₃ → 4Al + 3O₂

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Electrolysis of Aluminium. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Worked Model AnswerThe Metal That Changed HistoryElectrolysis of Aluminium Oxide

Practice Questions for Electrolysis of Aluminium

Why is aluminium extracted by electrolysis rather than by reduction with carbon?

  • A. Aluminium is less reactive than carbon
  • B. Aluminium is more reactive than carbon
  • C. Aluminium does not form ions
  • D. Carbon reacts with aluminium to form carbides
1 markfoundation

Explain why aluminium is extracted by electrolysis rather than by reduction with carbon.

2 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

What does OIL RIG stand for?
Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons), Reduction Is Gain (of electrons). At the Anode = Oxidation (loss). At the Cathode = Reduction (gain).
Why do the carbon anodes need replacing regularly?
At 950°C, the oxygen produced at the anode reacts with the hot carbon: C + O₂ → CO₂. The carbon is gradually burned away, so the anodes must be replaced periodically.

20 questions on Electrolysis of Aluminium — practise free

Instant marking, adaptive difficulty, and spaced repetition flashcards. Free until your GCSEs.

Try PrepWise Free

Previous

Worked Model Answer

Back to

Electrolysis of Aluminium