Question

1. explain why aluminium requires electrolysis.
2. state two advantages of recycling metals.
3. compare extraction by carbon reduction with extraction by electrolysis.

Explanation:

Reactivity of aluminium

Aluminium is highly reactive and more reactive than carbon, meaning carbon cannot reduce its oxide, so a more powerful method like electrolysis is required to break the strong bonds.

Advantages of recycling metals

Recycling conserves finite metal ore resources and requires significantly less energy than extracting new metals from their ores, which also reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Comparison of extraction methods

Carbon reduction is cheaper, uses less energy, and is used for less reactive metals (below carbon in the reactivity series), whereas electrolysis is highly expensive, energy-intensive, and required for highly reactive metals (above carbon).

Answer:

Question 3

Aluminium is more reactive than carbon, so carbon cannot reduce aluminium oxide; electrolysis is required to extract it.

Question 4

1. Conserves finite metal ore resources.
2. Saves energy and reduces environmental impact compared to mining and extracting raw ores.

Question 5

• Carbon Reduction: Used for less reactive metals (below carbon in the reactivity series), is less expensive, and requires less energy.
• Electrolysis: Used for highly reactive metals (above carbon in the reactivity series), is highly expensive, and requires large amounts of electricity.