Question

Why alumina cannot be reduced by carbon?

Answer 1

Aluminium oxide is molten and electrolysed using carbon electrodes. ... Reactive metals such as aluminium are extracted using electrolysis, as they are more reactive than the usual reducing agents used. Iron is not as reactive as aluminium and its ore can be reduced by the reducing agent carbon and carbon monoxide.

Answer 2

Because carbon  is not as reactive as carbon dioxide