Extracting metals from their ores
2 marks · HardState the extraction method used for aluminium and explain why this method is required, based on its position in the reactivity series.
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Also accept: Electrolysis is used to extract aluminium because aluminium is more reactive than carbon.; Aluminium is extracted by electrolysis as it is above carbon in the reactivity series.
Common mistakes: Saying melting or reduction with carbon for aluminium extraction.
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · States that aluminium is extracted by electrolysis.
B2 · 1 mark · Explains that this is because aluminium is more reactive than carbon (or is above carbon in the reactivity series).
Worked solution
Aluminium is extracted from its ore by electrolysis. This is because aluminium is more reactive than carbon, so it cannot be reduced using carbon.