... These are purified using electrolysis to make aluminium. Electrolyte- aluminium oxide is dissolved in molten cryolite at 950?C. Cathode is made of graphite (lining of cell) and the reaction is that at the cathode the aluminium ions receive electrons: 4Al3+ +12e- ? 4Al The aluminium atoms collect together, and drop to the bottom of the cell as molten metal. This is run off at intervals. Anode is also made of graphite. This time the reaction is that at the anodes the oxygen ions give up electrons: 6O2- ? 3O2 +12e- Oxygen gas bubbles are given off. But unfortunately it attacks the graphite anodes and eats them away, so they must be replaced from t9ime to time. C +O2 ? CO2 There are many uses for aluminium like: * Tin cans * Ships * Cooking foil * Saucepans * Racing bikes * Electricity cables * TV aerials * Aeroplanes * Space rockets I have examined the three sites and the table below compares them and ...

See this essay or coursework document in full right now