Lesson: Extracting Aluminum Chemistry

In this lesson, we will learn how to describe the extraction of aluminum from its ore using electrolysis.

Lesson Plan

Students will be able to

relate the reactivity of aluminum to the extraction technique,
describe the extraction of aluminum from bauxite,
explain the role of cryolite in the process,
write half equations for the reactions at the electrodes,
appreciate the cost implications of an industrial process of this scale.

Lesson Video

Lesson Explainer

Lesson Worksheet

Q1:

Aluminum is commonly extracted by electrolysis of aluminum oxide . Before it can be electrolyzed, the aluminum oxide must be molten. However, aluminum oxide has a melting point of over , which is very expensive to maintain. What is added to lower the melting point of the aluminum oxide before electrolysis?

Q2:

Which of the following is an ore of aluminum?

Q3:

What is the chemical compound of aluminum found in the greatest percentage in the ore used in the extraction process?