Give the ionization reactions of electrolyte used in Hall’s process. write the reaction at the cathode and the anode. Why the anode has to be replaced in this process?

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The ionization reactions of electrolyte in Hall's process.

1. Cryolite: Na3AlF6   3Na+ + Al3+ + 6F-

2. Fluorspar: CaF2    Ca2+ + 2F-

3. Alumina: Al2O3  ⇌ 2Al3+ + 3O2-

The reaction at the cathode and anode are:

Cathode:

4Al3+ + 12e→ 4Al

Anode:

6O2- -12e- → 6[O]

3O + 3O → 3O2

The anode has to be replaced from time to time as it gets oxidized by the oxygen evolved at the anode.

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