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Extraction of Aluminium From Bauxite (CIE IGCSE Chemistry: Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award))

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Alexandra Brennan

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Extraction of aluminium from bauxite

  • Aluminium is a reactive metal, above carbon in the reactivity series 
  • Its main ore, is bauxite, which contains aluminium oxide
  • Aluminium is higher in the reactivity series than carbon, so it cannot be extracted by reduction using carbon
  • Instead, aluminium is extracted by electrolysis  

The electrolysis of aluminium

Aluminium extraction, IGCSE & GCSE Chemistry revision notesDiagram showing the extraction of aluminium by electrolysis

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If you are a Core student, you do not need to explain the process of extraction of aluminium by electrolysis.

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    Alexandra Brennan

    Author: Alexandra Brennan

    Expertise: Chemistry

    Alex studied Biochemistry at Newcastle University before embarking upon a career in teaching. With nearly 10 years of teaching experience, Alex has had several roles including Chemistry/Science Teacher, Head of Science and Examiner for AQA and Edexcel. Alex’s passion for creating engaging content that enables students to succeed in exams drove her to pursue a career outside of the classroom at SME.