Bauxite is an important ore for the metal aluminium. After water is resolved only Al2O3 is obtained. Al2O3 is used in electrolysis to obtain aluminium metal and oxygen gas. Write the cathode and anode half equations?

Answer 1

In the electrolysis of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), the aluminum ions (Al³⁺) and oxide ions (O²⁻) are reduced and oxidized, respectively, at the cathode and anode.

Here are the half-equations for both electrodes:

Cathode Half Equation (Reduction)

At the cathode, aluminum ions gain electrons to form aluminum metal: \[ \text{Al}^{3+} + 3e^- \rightarrow \text{Al (s)} \]

Anode Half Equation (Oxidation)

At the anode, oxide ions lose electrons to form oxygen gas: \[ \text{O}^{2-} \rightarrow \frac{1}{2} \text{O}_2 (g) + 2e^- \]

Overall, during the electrolysis of Al₂O₃, aluminum is produced at the cathode, and oxygen gas is produced at the anode.