Electrolysis - Aluminium Oxide

What ore is aluminium extracted from, via electrolysis?

Bauxite which contains aluminium oxide

Why is cryolite used in the electrolysis of aluminium oxide?

Aluminium oxide has a high melting point so would be expensive to melt, so Cryolite lowers the melting point, which reduces the cost

In the electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃), which 2 ions would be present in the electrolyte?

Al³⁺ and O^2-

In the electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃), what would form at the positive electrode (anode)?

Oxygen gas

In the electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃), what would form at the negative electrode (cathode)?

Molten aluminium

In the electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃), what would be the half equation for the reaction at the positive electrode (anode)?

2O^2- → O₂ + 4e^-

In the electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide (Al₂ O₃), what would be the half equation for the reaction at the negative electrode (cathode)?

Al³⁺ + 3e^- → Al

Write the overall balanced symbol equation for the separation of aluminium oxide during electrolysis

2Al₂ O₃ → 4Al + 3O₂

In the electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide (Al₂ O₃), are the Al³⁺ ions oxidised or reduced?

Reduced as they gain electrons

In the electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide (Al₂ O₃), are the O^2- ions oxidised or reduced?

Oxidised as they lose electrons