Electrolytic reduction of iron ore - Stoichiometry

In summary, the purpose of electrolytic reduction of iron ore is to extract pure iron from its oxide form through the use of electricity. This process involves breaking down iron oxide into its constituent elements and removing oxygen, resulting in pure iron. The stoichiometry of the process is based on a chemical equation, and its efficiency can be affected by factors such as temperature, composition, and purity of the solution. Compared to traditional methods, electrolytic reduction is more energy-efficient, produces purer iron, and has a lower environmental impact.
  • #1
ThetaPi
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Homework Statement



Calculate the maximum mass of aluminum that can be made from 408 tonnes of alumina, assuming that aluminum is produced by electrolysis.

Homework Equations



At the cathode: [tex]Al^{3+} (l) + 3e^{-} \Rightarrow Al (l)[/tex].

At the anode: [tex]O^{2-} (l) \Rightarrow O_2 (g) + 4e^{-}[/tex]. Is the oxide ion from aluminum oxide in liquid or gaseous state?

The Attempt at a Solution



Is there any limiting reagent of sorts? I have never done any stoichiometric calculations on metallurgy.

Postscript. How do we input chemistry using LaTeX? (Especially the chemical equations and symbols, e.g. how to make Al not italicized.)
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
ThetaPi said:

Homework Statement



Calculate the maximum mass of aluminum that can be made from 408 tonnes of alumina, assuming that aluminum is produced by electrolysis.

Homework Equations



At the cathode: [tex]Al^{3+} (l) + 3e^{-} \Rightarrow Al (l)[/tex].

At the anode: [tex]O^{2-} (l) \Rightarrow O_2 (g) + 4e^{-}[/tex]. Is the oxide ion from aluminum oxide in liquid or gaseous state?

The Attempt at a Solution



Is there any limiting reagent of sorts? I have never done any stoichiometric calculations on metallurgy.

Postscript. How do we input chemistry using LaTeX? (Especially the chemical equations and symbols, e.g. how to make Al not italicized.)
Regarding formatting, LaTeX posts on PF are automatically in math mode, which means that all letters are italicized (which is the conventional way to typeset mathematical variables). However, the following LaTeX output (without the spaces in the tex tags) will generate the result given below it:

[ tex ] \textrm{Al}^{3+}_{(\textrm{l})} +3e^{-} \longrightarrow \textrm{Al}_{(\textrm{l})} [ /tex ]

[tex] \textrm{Al}^{3+}_{(\textrm{l})} +3e^{-} \longrightarrow \textrm{Al}_{(\textrm{l})} [/tex]
​

where the \textrm{} environment takes us out of math mode and into normal text mode using the roman font.
 
  • #3
Regarding the problem, it's been a while since I've done chemistry, but isn't it merely a matter of:

1. Figuring out how many moles of aluminum oxide correspond to 408 tonnes of it.
2. Figuring out how many moles of Al are produced per mole of aluminum oxide
3. Converting that many moles of Al into a mass, assuming all of it is converted?

Edit, and here's a non LaTeX alternative which might or might not be easier for chemistry (your choice). Use the sup and sub tags for superscripts and subscripts respectively

This input, without spaces in the tags, produces the output below it:

Al[ sub ](l)[ /sub ][ sup ]3+[ /sup ] + 3e[ sup ]-[ /sup ] → Al [ sub ] (l) [ /sub ]​

Al(l)3+ + 3e- → Al(l)​
 

Related to Electrolytic reduction of iron ore - Stoichiometry

1. What is the purpose of electrolytic reduction of iron ore?

The purpose of electrolytic reduction of iron ore is to extract pure iron from its oxide form, which is found in iron ore deposits. This process involves using electricity to reduce the iron oxide to its pure form, which can then be used in various industries such as construction and manufacturing.

2. How does electrolytic reduction of iron ore work?

Electrolytic reduction of iron ore involves passing an electric current through a molten mixture of iron oxide and a reducing agent, such as carbon. This causes the iron oxide to break down into its constituent elements of iron and oxygen. The oxygen is then removed, leaving behind pure iron.

3. What is the stoichiometry involved in the electrolytic reduction of iron ore?

The stoichiometry involved in the electrolytic reduction of iron ore is based on the chemical equation Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2. This means that for every 1 mole of iron oxide, 3 moles of carbon monoxide are required to produce 2 moles of iron and 3 moles of carbon dioxide.

4. What factors can affect the efficiency of electrolytic reduction of iron ore?

The efficiency of electrolytic reduction of iron ore can be affected by several factors, such as the temperature and composition of the electrolytic solution, the current density and voltage used, and the purity of the iron oxide. The type of reducing agent and the presence of impurities can also impact the efficiency of the process.

5. What are the advantages of using electrolytic reduction of iron ore compared to traditional methods?

Electrolytic reduction of iron ore has several advantages over traditional methods of extraction, such as being more energy-efficient and producing purer iron. It also allows for the extraction of iron from low-grade ores that may not be feasible using other methods. Additionally, this process produces fewer pollutants and has a higher yield, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

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