Explain the process of extracting aluminium using electrolysis.

1) Mixed with cryolite - lowers melting point reducing amount of energy needed and saving money 2) Apply an electric current to the molten aluminium oxide - ions free to move 3) Cath/anode are made of graphite - a form of carbon which is a very good conductor of electricity and has a very high melting point and can therefore be used at high temps 4) Reduction: Al3+ attracted to (-) cathode gaining 3 electrons forming an atom: Al3^(+) + 3e^(-) -> Al 5) Oxidation: 2^(-) attracted to (+) anode losing 2 electrons forming an atom: O2^(-) -> O + 2e^(-)