In an electrolytic tank, aluminium metal is being extracted by the electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide using carbon electrodes. It is observed that one of the carbon electrodes is gradually burnt away and has to be replaced.(a) Which carbon electrode (cathode or anode) is burnt away?
(b) Why is this carbon electrode burnt away?

Academic Chemistry NCERT Class 10

(a) The Positively charged carbon electrode i.e Anode is burnt away.

(b) This carbon electrode (anode) is burnt away because oxygen produced during the electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide reacts gradually with the carbon of the anode to form carbon dioxide gas.

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Updated on: 10-Oct-2022

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