The extraction of aluminum metal from the aluminum hydroxide in bauxite ore by t

Question

The extraction of aluminum metal from the aluminum hydroxide in bauxite ore by the Hall-Heroult process is one of the most remarkable success stories of late 19th century practical chemistry, turning aluminum from a rare and precious metal into the cheap commodity it is today. In the first step, aluminum hydroxide reacts to form alumina and water: 2Al(OH)_3 (s) rightarrow Al_2O_3(s) + 3H_2O(g) In the second step, alumina and carbon react to form aluminum and carbon dioxide: 2Al_2O_3 (s) + 3 C(s) rightarrow 4 Al (s) + 3 CO_2(g) Write the net chemical equation for the production of aluminum from aluminum hydroxide and carbon. Be sure your equation is balanced.

Explanation / Answer

first balance equation 1 then add to second equation

4Al(OH)3(s)   -----------------> 2Al2O3(s)   + 6H2O(g)

2 Al2O3(s)   + 3C(s) -------> 4Al(s)   + 3CO2(g)

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4Al(OH)3(s)    +   3C(s) ----------------> 4Al(s)   +    3CO2(g) +    6H2O(g)

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