4.4.2

Metal Extraction

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Electrolysis - Extracting Metals

Electrolysis is used to extract reactive metals from molten ores (melted materials containing metals). Electrolysis is used to extract metals such as aluminium, which are higher in the reactivity series than carbon.

Illustrative background for What happens at the anode?Illustrative background for What happens at the anode? ?? "content

What happens at the anode?

  • Oxygen forms at the carbon anode. The carbon and oxygen react to give carbon dioxide.
  • The anode is usually made of carbon because it is a good conductor and is cheap.
Illustrative background for What happens at the cathode?Illustrative background for What happens at the cathode? ?? "content

What happens at the cathode?

  • The aluminium is formed at the cathode.
Illustrative background for What are the disadvantages of electrolysis?Illustrative background for What are the disadvantages of electrolysis? ?? "content

What are the disadvantages of electrolysis?

  • Lots of energy is needed to:
    • Melt the solid ionic compound to allow the ions to flow.
    • Produce the electrical current.
  • All this energy costs money, and a lot of it!

Jump to other topics

1Atomic Structure

2Chemical Bonding

3Quantitative Chemistry

4Chemical Changes

5Energy Changes

6The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

7Organic Chemistry

8Chemical Analysis

9Chemistry of the Atmosphere

10Using Resources

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