Chapter 17, Problem 131AE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The requirement of electrical energy for the production of Aluminum from Aluminum oxide is given. The comparison between the energy required for producing Aluminum from Aluminum oxide and the energy for melting Aluminum and the reason behind the economical feasibility of recycling Aluminum cans is to be stated.

Concept introduction:

For melting of any substance some specific amount of heat is required. Therefore, the amount of heat that is required for melting one mole of substance and that too at its melting point is called the heat of fusion.

To determine: The comparison between the energy required for producing Aluminum from Aluminum oxide and the energy for melting Aluminum and the reason behind the economical feasibility of recycling Aluminum cans.

The amount of electrical energy required to produce Aluminum from Aluminum oxide is $\text{54}\times {\text{10}}^6\text{J}$.

The amount of energy required to melt Aluminum metal is $395.9\times {10}^3\text{J}$.

The energy for melting Aluminum is lower than the energy required for producing Aluminum from Aluminum oxide.

The requirement of lower energy for melting Aluminum than required to produce Aluminum from Aluminum oxide makes it an economically feasible process.