4.3.3 Using electrolysis to extract metals

• Electrolysis is the process of using an electric current to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction
• What is the role of the electrolyte in an electrolytic cell?

  Conducts ions
• The power supply in an electrolytic cell provides the external electrical current
• What type of reaction occurs at the anode in electrolysis?

  Oxidation
• Steps in metal extraction through electrolysis:

  1️⃣ Metal ions move to the cathode

  2️⃣ Reduction occurs at the cathode

  3️⃣ Metal is deposited at the cathode

  4️⃣ Oxidation occurs at the anode
• Match the component of an electrolytic cell with its function:

  Electrodes ↔️ Conduct reactions

  Electrolyte ↔️ Contains ions

  Power Supply ↔️ Drives current
• What are the main components of an electrolytic cell?

  Electrodes, electrolyte, power supply
• What type of solution is used as an electrolyte in electrolysis?

  Molten salt or aqueous solution
• Match the type of electrode with its charge and reaction:

  Anode ↔️ Positive (+), Oxidation

  Cathode ↔️ Negative (-), Reduction
• What type of reaction occurs at the cathode in electrolysis?

  Reduction
• Steps in metal extraction through electrolysis:

  1️⃣ The electrolyte contains a molten salt or aqueous solution with metal ions.

  2️⃣ An electric current is passed through the electrolyte.

  3️⃣ At the cathode, metal ions undergo reduction and are deposited as the metal.

  4️⃣ At the anode, an oxidation reaction occurs.
• In aluminum extraction, cryolite is used as a solvent to lower the melting point of aluminum oxide
• Match the advantage of electrolysis with its corresponding disadvantage:

  High purity ↔️ High energy consumption

  Precise control ↔️ Costly equipment

  Scalable process ↔️ Limited to reactive metals
• Electrodes in an electrolytic cell are typically made of metals or graphite.

  True
• Electrodes facilitate the flow of electrons in electrolysis.


  True
• At the cathode in electrolysis, reduction reactions cause the metal ions to gain electrons
• Electrolysis involves passing an electric current through a molten salt or aqueous solution.


  True
• Electrodes are conductive surfaces within an electrolytic cell where chemical reactions
• Electrodes in an electrolytic cell can be made of metals or graphite
• Electrodes facilitate the flow of electrons in electrolysis.


  True
• At the anode, oxidation results in the loss of electrons
• Oxidation occurs at the anode, while reduction occurs at the cathode.


  True
• Which metals are often extracted using electrolysis due to their high reactivity?

  Sodium and aluminum
• Electrolysis produces metals with high purity and allows precise control over the extraction process.


  True