# Explain why aluminium cannot be extracted from its ore by reduction with carbon, and state the method used instead to extract aluminium.

> AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) — 4.4.3 Electrolysis · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Aluminium is more reactive than carbon
2. Therefore carbon cannot displace/reduce aluminium (from its oxide)
3. Electrolysis is used to extract aluminium
4. The aluminium ore/compound must be molten (or dissolved) so that the ions are free to move

## Key terms

- [reduction with carbon](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/reduction-with-carbon)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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