Answer to Question #143860 in General Chemistry for Sam

Question

Compare the similarities and differences between the extraction of aluminium and the extraction of chlorine by electrolysis

Answer 1

Differences:

Aluminum ions receive electrons at the negative electrode and are reduced to aluminum atoms: Al³⁺ + 3e^– → Al⁰ (reduction – gain electrons). Chlorine ions lose electrons at the positive electrodes and are oxidized to chlorine gas: 2Cl^– → Cl₂ + 2e^– (oxidation – lose electrons).

Similarities:

Both aluminum and chlorine are produced from natural materials abundant in nature. Both produce highly reactive products which needed to be absorbed (oxygen is produced during electrolysis of aluminum material, electrolysis of brine (NaCl solution) results in chlorine gas and caustic soda).