During the electrolysis process used to extract aluminium from alumina, what is the primary purpose of adding cryolite?

Reduce the melting temperature of alumina
Enable alumina to dissolve in liquid cryolite
Eliminate impurities present in alumina
Enhance the flow of electricity through the mixture

Correct answer: Reduce the melting temperature of alumina

Solution

The primary purpose of adding cryolite during the electrolysis of alumina is to reduce the melting temperature of alumina, making the process more energy-efficient and allowing for the effective extraction of aluminium.

Related JEE Advanced Chemistry questions

In the reaction X → Y, where ΔG° = -193 kJ mol⁻¹, all the energy released is utilized to oxidize M⁺ to M³⁺ according to the equation M⁺ → M³⁺ + 2e⁻, with E° = -0.25 V. Under standard conditions, how many moles of M⁺ are oxidized when one mole of X transforms into Y? [F = 96500 C mol⁻¹]
In the following electrochemical cell operating at 298 K: Pt(s) | H₂(g, 1 bar) | H⁺(aq, 1 M) || M⁴⁺(aq), M²⁺(aq) | Pt(s), the cell potential is measured to be 0.092 V when the ratio [M²⁺(aq)] / [M⁴⁺(aq)] equals 10^x. If the standard reduction potential of the M⁴⁺/M²⁺ couple is 0.151 V and 2.303 RT/F equals 0.059 V, determine the value of x.
For the electrochemical cell represented as Zn(s) | ZnSO₄(aq) || CuSO₄(aq) | Cu(s), if the concentration of Zn²⁺ ions is ten times greater than that of Cu²⁺ ions, what is the formula for ΔG (in J mol⁻¹)? (Here, F is the Faraday constant, R is the gas constant, T is the temperature, and the standard cell potential E°(cell) = 1.1 V.)
When 1/Λm is plotted against cΛm for an aqueous solution of a weak monobasic acid (HX), the graph yields a straight line with an intercept on the y-axis equal to P and a slope equal to S. What is the value of the ratio P/S?
A conductivity cell filled with 0.05 M oxalic acid solution has a resistance of 200 ohm and a cell constant of 2.0 cm⁻¹. What is the equivalent conductance (in S cm² eq⁻¹) of this oxalic acid solution?
An electrochemical concentration cell is set up using two silver half-cells: Half-cell P: Ag(s) in 0.05 M AgNO3 Half-cell Q: Ag(s) in 0.01 M AgNO3 Which of the following changes will increase the cell voltage (E_cell)?

⚔️ Practice JEE Advanced Chemistry free + battle 1v1 →