Extracting Aluminium from Aluminium Oxide

A full lesson designed for GCSE chemistry AQA specification.
This lesson covers the case study of the extraction of aluminium oxide, the role of cryolite, what happens to the aluminium and oxide ions at the electrodes, and the need for the replacement of the positive electrode.

This lesson contains

• A lesson powerpoint including all useful youtube video links, interactive plenary multiple choice quiz, electroplating challenge task and complete answers.
• A guided reading activity with quesitons and complete answer sheet (PDF and editable versions)
• An alternative information hunt sheet to be used with videos and/or the AQA GCSE Chemistry textbook, with complete answers (PDF and editable versions)
• Video clip to aid in completion of both sheets

Lesson Objectives

• State two reasons why extracting aluminium oxide from its ore is expensive
• Describe why cryolite is added to aluminium oxide during electrolysis
• Describe and explain what happens to ions at the positive and negative electrode (and give relevant half equations (Higher only))
• Explain why the positive electrode must continually be replaced