The refining of aluminum from bauxite ore (which contains 50.% Al₂O₃ by mass) proceeds by the overall reaction 2Al₂O₃ + 3C → 4Al + 3CO₂. How much bauxite ore is required to give the 5.0 × 10¹³ g of aluminum produced each year in the United States? (Assume 100% conversion.)

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To find the amount of bauxite ore required, calculate the moles of Al produced, then use stoichiometry to find moles of Al2O3 needed, and finally convert to mass of bauxite ore. Given 50% Al2O3 in bauxite, the calculation shows approximately 1.9 × 10^14 g of bauxite is needed.

The Refining of Aluminum from Bauxite Ore (Which Contains 50