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 12 of 12 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 12 of 12
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