This chemistry question involves key chemical concepts and calculations. The detailed solution below walks through each step, from identifying the reaction type to computing the final answer.
ScanSolve AI Answer
Fresh day webasolange, let's solve. Here's the solution to question 10: a) Metal: Aluminum Named Ore: Bauxite (Al_2O_3 · xH_2O) Description of Extraction Process (Hall-Héroult Process): Step 1: Purification of Bauxite Bauxite ore is first purified to obtain pure aluminum oxide (Al_2O_3), also known as alumina. This is typically done using the Bayer process, which involves dissolving bauxite in hot concentrated sodium hydroxide solution to form sodium aluminate, filtering out impurities, and then precipitating aluminum hydroxide, which is finally heated to produce pure alumina. Step 2: Electrolytic Cell Setup The pure alumina is then dissolved in molten cryolite (Na_3AlF_6). Cryolite acts as a solvent, lowering the melting point of alumina from over 2000 °C to about 950 °C and increasing its electrical conductivity. The electrolysis takes place in a large steel tank lined with carbon, which acts as the cathode. Large blocks of graphite (carbon) are suspended into the molten mixture to act as anodes. Step 3: Electrolysis A high electric current is passed through the molten mixture. At the cathode (negative electrode): Aluminum ions (Al^3+) gain electrons and are reduced to molten aluminum metal, which sinks to the bottom of the cell. Al^3+(l) + 3e^- Al(l) At the anode (positive electrode): Oxide ions (O^2-), from the dissociation of alumina, lose electrons and are oxidized to oxygen gas. 2O^2-(l) O_2(g) + 4e^- The oxygen gas produced at the anodes reacts with the hot carbon anodes, forming carbon dioxide gas. This causes the anodes to be consumed and they must be replaced periodically. C(s) + O_2(g) CO_2(g) The molten aluminum is periodically tapped off from the bottom of the cell. b) Two uses of aluminum relating to its properties: 1. Use: Manufacturing of aircraft bodies. Property: Aluminum has a low density (it is lightweight) and, when alloyed, possesses high strength. This combination makes it ideal for aircraft construction, where minimizing weight is crucial for fuel efficiency and performance, while maintaining structural integrity. 2. Use: Production of electrical transmission cables. Property: Aluminum is an excellent conductor of electricity and has a low density. Its good conductivity allows for efficient transmission of electricity, and its low density means that long spans of cable can be supported with fewer pylons, reducing infrastructure costs. That's the last one for today! Send me the next one 📸