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Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next to your answer - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 5 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 5
Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next to your answer. Aluminium is extracted from aluminium oxide by electrolysis. The overall equation for ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next to your answer - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 5 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next to your answer.
Answer
The correct answer is B: aluminium oxide is reduced. In electrolysis, aluminium oxide (Al2O3) is broken down into aluminium metal and oxygen gas. The aluminium ions gain electrons (reduction) while the oxide ions lose electrons (oxidation).
Step 2
Explain why.
Answer
Lead is lower in the reactivity series than aluminium and iron, meaning it is less reactive. Therefore, lead can be extracted more easily through reduction using carbon, which can donate electrons (acting as a reducing agent) to convert lead oxide into lead metal. This process requires less energy than electrolysis, which is typically used for more reactive metals like aluminium.