How is the operating temperature kept low during the electrolysis of aluminium oxide?

The operating temperature during the electrolysis of aluminium oxide is kept low by dissolving aluminium oxide in cryolite. Cryolite is a natural mineral that significantly lowers the melting point of aluminium oxide when mixed with it, allowing the electrolysis process to occur at more manageable temperatures.

In its pure form, aluminium oxide has a very high melting point, which would make the electrolysis process energy-intensive and expensive if conducted without modification. By using cryolite, the melting point can be reduced, enabling the electrolysis to take place at around 950°C rather than over 2000°C. This reduced temperature also mitigates energy consumption, enhances efficiency, and helps prevent excessive wear on the electrolysis equipment.

Other choices do not contribute to reducing the operating temperature in this context. Distilled water is not used in this process as water would interfere with the electrolysis of aluminium oxide. High pressure is not a relevant factor for lowering temperature; instead, it might be used in some chemical processes but is not applicable here. Using a copper electrolyte would not impact the temperature of the reaction but could instead lead to other complications in the electrolysis process, such as unwanted chemical reactions.

Thus, the correct option effectively addresses the need for a low operating temperature in the electro