The overall balanced equation for the electrolysis of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) to obtain aluminum metal (Al) and oxygen gas (O₂) can be represented as follows:
\[ 2 \text{Al}_2\text{O}_3 (s) \rightarrow 4 \text{Al} (l) + 3 \text{O}_2 (g) \]
In this equation:
- (s) indicates a solid state (for Al₂O₃).
- (l) indicates a liquid state (for aluminum).
- (g) indicates a gaseous state (for oxygen).
In the electrolysis process, aluminum oxide is melted and subjected to an electric current, leading to the reduction of aluminum ions to aluminum metal and the oxidation of oxide ions to oxygen gas.
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