Metal Extraction via Electrolysis — AQA GCSE Combined Science: Synergy 8465
AQA GCSE Combined Science: Synergy · 8465
Metal Extraction via Electrolysis
What you need to know
Explain why and how electrolysis is used to extract certain metals from their molten ores.
Understand that electrolysis is necessary for extracting metals that are more reactive than carbon or metals that react with carbon.
Describe the significant energy requirements of this process, noting that large amounts of energy are needed to melt the compounds and provide the electrical current.
Explain the industrial manufacture of aluminium by the electrolysis of a molten mixture of aluminium oxide and cryolite.
Understand the technological applications of science in this process, such as the use of cryolite to lower the melting point and the necessity to frequently replace the positive carbon electrodes (anodes) as they react and degrade.
