Answer the following questions with respect to the electrolytic process in the extraction of aluminium:
Identify the components of the electrolyte other than pure alumina and the role played by each.

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Solution

With respect to the electrolytic process in the extraction of aluminium, the components of the electrolyte other than pure alumina $(A l_{2} O_{3})$ (2-8%) are synthetic cryolite $(N a_{3} A l F_{6})$ (80-85%), $A l F_{3}$ (5-7%) and fluorspar $(C a F_{2})$ (5-7%).
The addition of cryolite and fluorspar not only makes alumina a good conductor of electricity but also lowers the fusion temperature to around 1140 K.
The molten electrolyte is covered with layer of powder coke to prevent oxidation and loss of heat due to radiation.

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N a_{3} A l F_{6}

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