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Date November 2019 Marks available 2 Reference code 19N.3.sl.TZ0.5
Level SL Paper 3 Time zone TZ0
Command term Discuss Question number 5 Adapted from N/A

Question

Metals are extracted from their ores by various means.

Aluminium is produced by the electrolysis of alumina (aluminium oxide) dissolved in cryolite.

Discuss why different methods of reduction are needed to extract metals.

[2]
a.

Determine the percentage of ionic bonding in alumina using sections 8 and 29 of the data booklet.

[2]
b(i).

Write half-equations for the electrolysis of molten alumina using graphite electrodes, deducing the state symbols of the products.

Anode (positive electrode):

Cathode (negative electrode):

[3]
b(ii).

Markscheme

ions of more reactive metals are harder to reduce
OR
more reactive metals have more negative electrode potentials ✔

electrolysis is needed/used for most reactive metals
OR
carbon is used to reduce metal oxides of intermediate reactivity/less reactive than carbon
OR
heating ore is sufficient for less reactive metals ✔

NOTE: Award [1 max] for “«ease of reduction/extraction» depends on reactivity”.

a.

electronegativity difference = 1.8 «and average electronegativity = 2.5» ✔
57 «%» ✔

NOTE: Accept any value in the range 52−65 %.
Award [2] for correct final answer.

b(i).

Anode (positive electrode):
2O2− → 4e + O2(g)
OR
2O2− + C → 4e + CO2 (g) ✔

NOTE: Award [1 max] for M1 and M2 if correct half-equations are given at the wrong electrodes OR if incorrect reversed half-equations are given at the correct electrodes.

 

Cathode (negative electrode):
Al3+ + 3e → Al (l) ✔
O2 gas AND Al liquid ✔

NOTE: Only state symbols of products required, which might be written as (g) and (l) in half-equations. Ignore any incorrect or missing state symbols for reactants.

b(ii).

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b(i).
[N/A]
b(ii).

Syllabus sections

Core » Topic 9: Redox processes » 9.1 Oxidation and reduction
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