Question

The following questions relate to the extraction of aluminum by electrolysis:

Name the other aluminum-containing compound added to alumina and state its significance.

Answer 1

1. The ore of Aluminum is Bauxite($\mathit{A}{\mathit{l}}_{\mathbf{2}}{\mathit{O}}_{\mathbf{3}}$).
2. In the extraction of Aluminum Cryolite is added to the fused electrolyte in addition to Alumina.
3. Cryolite is also an Aluminum containing compound.
4. The chemical formula of Cryolite is $\mathit{N}{\mathit{a}}_{\mathbf{3}}\mathit{A}\mathit{l}{\mathit{F}}_{\mathbf{6}}$.
5. The main significance is, it will reduce the melting point of Alumina thereby making reaction faster and saving energy.
6. So the other aluminum-containing compound added to alumina is Cryolite and the significance is it will lower the melting point of Alumina.