In Guyana, bauxite is processed to extract aluminium. The ore is first converted to aluminium oxide before electrolysis. What is the role of cryolite in this process?

Q: How do I try a free CXC Chemistry question?

Just tap any of the four options on this page — no signup, no card, nothing to install. You'll see the correct answer and a full mark-scheme-style explanation within a second. Each visit shows a fresh randomly-picked question from the live CXC CSEC Chemistry bank, so you can keep refreshing to try different ones before deciding whether to create a free account for daily access.

Q: Is Kramizo really free for CXC Chemistry students?

Yes — completely free. Every student gets 45 questions a day on the free plan, across any board and any subject, with no card required and no trial countdown. Kramizo's optional Pro plan removes the daily cap and adds analytics, but the free plan is genuinely free forever. We make money from the small percentage of students who choose to upgrade — not from selling data or ads.

Q: Are the Chemistry questions aligned to the CXC CSEC syllabus?

Every question is written against the published CXC CSEC Chemistry syllabus and reviewed for accuracy before being added to the bank. We match the command words (state, describe, explain, evaluate), mark allocations, and difficulty tier you'll see on real CXC past papers. Explanations are written in the style of official examiner mark schemes so students learn exactly what marks are being awarded for.

Question

In Guyana, bauxite is processed to extract aluminium. The ore is first converted to aluminium oxide before electrolysis. What is the role of cryolite in this process?

Accepted Answer

To lower the melting point of aluminium oxide — Award 1 mark for correct identification. Cryolite reduces the melting point from about 2050°C to around 950°C, making the process economically viable. A is incorrect — carbon electrodes act as reducing agents. C is incorrect — cryolite is added to the electrolyte, not the electrode. D is incorrect — aluminium ions are reduced, not oxidised.

Answer

To lower the melting point of aluminium oxide

Answer

To act as a reducing agent

Answer

To increase the conductivity of the cathode

Answer

To oxidise the aluminium ions

One real Chemistry question.No signup. 30 seconds.

One real Chemistry question.
No signup. 30 seconds.