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  4. In the electrolysis of alumina, cryolite is added to

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Q. In the electrolysis of alumina, cryolite is added to

IIT JEEIIT JEE 1986General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements

Solution:

Alumina $(Al_2O_3)$ has very high melting point and it is poor conductor of electricity. Both these factors posses difficulty in electrolysis of molten alumina.
Cryolite. $Na_3AlF_6$, when mixed with alumina, lowers melting point as well as improve electrical conductivity, hence helps in electrolysis of $Al_2O_3$.