Question 1: Molten electrolysis is a process where an electric current is passed through a substance in its molten state to decompose it into its elements. This method is commonly used to extract metals from their ores when they are not suitable for extraction by other methods.

Answer: Molten electrolysis uses electricity to decompose a melted compound into its elements, often to extract metals.

Question 1: What is the primary reason for performing electrolysis on a substance in its molten state?

Answer: To decompose the compound into its elements by breaking chemical bonds using electricity.

Question 2: Explain why inert electrodes (such as graphite or platinum) are used during molten electrolysis.

Answer: Inert electrodes do not react with the electrolyte or products; they only conduct electricity.

Question 3: Describe what happens at the cathode and anode during molten electrolysis of aluminum oxide.

Answer: At the cathode, aluminum ions gain electrons (reduction) to form aluminum metal. At the anode, oxide ions lose electrons (oxidation) to produce oxygen gas.

Question 1: Calculate the amount of aluminum (in grams) produced if a current of 10 amperes is passed through molten aluminum oxide for 2 hours. (Use Faraday's constant: 96485 C/mol, and molar mass of Al = 26.98 g/mol).

Answer: Approximately 8.07 grams

Question 2: What is the total charge (in Coulombs) passed through the electrolyte if the current is 5 A over 3 hours?

Answer: 54,000 Coulombs

Question 1: Identify three variables that can affect the efficiency of a molten electrolysis experiment.

Answer: Temperature of the molten electrolyte, current applied, electrode material.

Question 2: List two safety precautions that must be taken when performing molten electrolysis in a laboratory setting.

Answer: Wear protective gloves and goggles; ensure proper ventilation due to gas production.

Question 1: During an electrolysis experiment, oxygen gas is observed at the anode, and molten aluminum collects at the cathode. If the current used is doubled, predict what effect this will have on the amount of aluminum produced, assuming all other variables remain constant.

Answer: Doubling the current will increase the amount of aluminum produced proportionally, so more aluminum will be deposited.

Question 1: Explain how molten electrolysis is used in the production of aluminum and why this method is preferred over other extraction methods.

Answer: Molten electrolysis is used to extract aluminum from bauxite ore in the Hall-Héroult process. It is preferred because it allows direct extraction of aluminum metal from aluminum oxide without the need for chemical reduction methods, making it more efficient for large-scale production.