Question

Which gas is produced during the extraction of aluminium? At which electrode is this gas produced?

Answer 1

Oxygen gas is produced during the extraction of aluminium. This oxygen gas is produced at the anode. During electrolysis, aluminium atoms are deposited at the cathode, whereas oxide ions, being anions, are attracted to the positively charged anode. These oxide ions are oxidised to oxygen gas. Oxygen gas is produced at the anode.

\[\ce{\underset{(From molten Al2O3)}{\underset{Oxide ions}{2O^2-}} - \underset{(Given to anode)}{\underset{Electrons}{4e-}} -> \underset{Oxygen gas}{O2}}\]