Cryolite is used in electrolytic extraction of Al from alumina. — Metallurgy and Isolation of Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: The alumino-thermite process (also known as the Goldschmidt thermite process) involves the reaction of metal oxides with aluminium powder. Step 2: Aluminium has a very high affinity for oxygen, forming Al2O3 and releasing a massive amount of heat. In this reaction, Al reduces the metal oxide (like Fe2O3 or Cr2O3) to the elemental metal: Fe2O3 + 2Al -> Al2O3 + 2Fe. Step 3: Since Aluminium undergoes oxidation and reduces the transition metal, it acts as a powerful reducing agent, which matches option (d).