Question

When is electrolytic reduction applied for getting a metal?

Answer 1

1. Electrolytic reduction is employed in extracting a metal from its ore,generally the ore is oxide ore.
2. When metals are dig out from mines,they are present in oxide from such as Al₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃ along with the impurities.
3. These impurities are separated by various methods and then we carry out electrolytic reduction of these oxides as to obtain pure metal.
4. This method of electrolytic reduction is most suitable as purity of metal is high and as metal oxides are unreactive at normal conditions,this is the cheapest method available.