Why cant carbon be used to extract aluminium from its ore?

Answer 1

Aluminium cannot be extracted by reduction with carbon as aluminium is more reactive than the carbon.

Instead electolysis must be used, which is a much more expensive method of extracting a metal from it's ore.

Answer 2

Aluminium Oxide is so stable that carbon can not reduce it. Aluminium thus has toi be made by electrolysis.

Sodium and aluminium are more reactive than carbon, so it is not able to remove the oxygen from sodium or aluminium oxides. Carbon is below Na and Al in the reactivity series.

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SRAVAN :)

Answer 3

Yes, it is used in refining of alumina.
Carbon electrodes transmit the electric current through the electrolyte. During the smelting operation, some of the carbon is consumed as it combines with oxygen to form http://www.answers.com/topic/carbon-dioxide. In fact, about half a pound (0.2 kg) of carbon is used for every pound (2.2 kg) of aluminum produced. Some of the carbon used in aluminum smelting is a byproduct of oil refining; additional carbon is obtained from coal.

Answer 4

We don't find carbon in aluminum foil. Aluminum foil is highly refined aluminum, and it's quite pure.

Answer 5

Because aluminium is above Carbon on the Periodic Table therefore a displacement reaction can't happen.

Instead they use a method called: Electrolysis.

Answer 6

Aluminium has a far greater affinity for oxygen than carbon.

Answer 7

The reaction Al2O3 + C is impossible because aluminium is more stronger than carbon as a reducing agent.

Answer 8

Reduction with carbon can be applied only for metals below aluminium in the reactivity series. Aluminium is too reactive for the reduction with carbon.