# Explain why aluminium is extracted from its ore by electrolysis rather than by reduction with carbon, and why iron can be extracted by reduction with carbon.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620) — 9.6 Extraction of metals · Explain · 4 marks

> Metals are extracted from their ores by different methods depending on their position in the reactivity series.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Aluminium is more reactive than carbon / aluminium is high in the reactivity series
2. Therefore carbon cannot reduce aluminium oxide / carbon is not a strong enough reducing agent to displace aluminium
3. Iron is less reactive than carbon / iron is below carbon in the reactivity series
4. Therefore carbon can reduce iron oxide / carbon displaces iron from its ore

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-aluminium-is-extracted-from-8603d9ac) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.