Electrolysis to extract metals (Edexcel GCSE Chemistry Combined Science): Flashcards

Electrolysis

Bauxite

$Al_2O_3$

To lower the melting point

Graphite electrodes

Aluminium ions ($Al^{3+}$)

Gain electrons (reduction)

$Al^{3+} + 3e^- \to Al(l)$

Sinks to bottom (denser than mixture)

Oxide ions ($O^{2-}$)

Lose electrons (oxidation)

$2O^{2-} \to O_2(g) + 4e^-$

Carbon dioxide ($CO_2$)