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CAIE IGCSE Chemistry 9.6.5 Aluminium extraction from purified

Practise aluminium extraction by electrolysis, including cryolite, carbon anodes, electrode products and ionic half-equations.

Syllabus
2026–2028
Course
Chemistry 0620

Exam points

  • explain why molten cryolite is added to aluminium oxide in the electrolyte
  • write the cathode half-equation for Al3+ gaining electrons to form aluminium
  • link oxygen at the anode to carbon anode loss and carbon dioxide formation

9.6.5—Aluminium extraction from purified question 1

[Maximum number: 6]

Aluminium is extracted from aluminium oxide by electrolysis.

Question (a)

(a)

Aluminium can be extracted by electrolysis using the apparatus shown.

Figure for Question (a) — CAIE IGCSE Chemistry
[ 6 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Give two reasons why cryolite is used.

1

2

[ 2 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

Write the ionic half-equation for the formation of aluminium during the electrolysis.

[ 1 ]

Question (iii)

(iii)

Explain how carbon dioxide gas is formed at the anodes.

[ 3 ]
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