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  4. In the electrolysis of alumina to obtain aluminium metal, cryolite is added mainly to

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Q. In the electrolysis of alumina to obtain aluminium metal, cryolite is added mainly to

AIEEEAIEEE 2012General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements

Solution:

Fused alumina (Al2O3) is a bad conductor of electridty. Therefore, cryolite (Na3AlF6) and fluorspar (CaF2) are added to piuified alumina which not only make alumina a good conductor of electricity but also reduce the melting point of the mixture to around 1140 K.