(a) Give two reasons why fused alumina is mixed with cryolite in the electrolytic extraction of aluminium.
(b) Write an equation for the reaction of sodium hydroxide with bauxite.
Explanation
(a) Fused alumina is mixed with cryolite in the electrolytic extraction of aluminium in order to give a solution of lower melting point and density than that to be obtained without the cryolite
(b) AI\(_2\)O\(_{3(s)}\) + 2NaOH\(_{(ag)}\) + 3H\(_2\)O\(_{(l)}\) \(\to\) \(2 NaAl(OH)_{4(aq)}\)