A metal that can extracted using eletrolytic process
What is Na?
What is Al?
What is Mn?
A metal that can be extracted using an electrolytic process is aluminum. The extraction of aluminum involves the electrolysis of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) dissolved in a molten cryolite (Na3AlF6) bath.
To explain the electrolytic process of aluminum extraction, follow these steps:
1. Formation of the electrolyte: Cryolite is mixed with aluminum oxide to create a molten electrolyte. Cryolite acts as a solvent and lowers the melting point of aluminum oxide.
2. Setting up the electrolysis cell: The electrolysis cell consists of a graphite container called a cell or pot, which acts as the cathode. Carbon blocks or rods are used as both the anode and the cathode.
3. Reducing aluminum oxide: The aluminum oxide (Al2O3) is mixed in the molten cryolite and forms ions. When an electric current passes through the cell, the aluminum ions (Al3+) at the cathode gain electrons, reducing them to aluminum metal (Al). This happens at the cathode: Al3+ + 3e- ➔ Al.
4. Oxygen production: At the anode, oxygen is formed. The carbon anode reacts with the oxide ions (O2-) released from the alumina, producing carbon dioxide gas (CO2). The anode reaction is: 2O2- ➔ O2 + 4e-.
5. Collection of aluminum: The aluminum metal produced at the cathode sinks to the bottom of the cell, where it can be collected.
It is important to note that electrolytic extraction is energetically demanding, requiring a significant amount of electrical energy. However, aluminum is extensively used due to its lightweight, high strength, and corrosion-resistant properties, making it worthwhile to extract using this process.