Metals above carbon in the reactivity series
2 marks · NormalGive one reason why electrolysis is used to extract aluminium, but iron is extracted by reduction with carbon.
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Also accept: Aluminium is more reactive than carbon, so cannot be extracted by reduction with carbon, whereas iron is less reactive than carbon and can be.; Because aluminium cannot be reduced by carbon, while iron can.
Common mistakes: Only saying 'aluminium is more reactive' without comparison to carbon.
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · States aluminium is more reactive than carbon / cannot be reduced by carbon.
B2 · 1 mark · States iron is less reactive than carbon / can be reduced by carbon.
Worked solution
Aluminium is more reactive than carbon and cannot be reduced by it, so electrolysis is used. Iron is less reactive, so it can be extracted by reduction with carbon.