Question

why is a little cryolite added in the electrolytic decomposition of molten alumina,?​

Answer 1

Answer:

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Molten cryolite serves as a solvent for the molten aluminium oxide and increases the conductivity of the solution.

Answer 2

Answer:

The mixture of cryolite and aluminium oxide has a lower melting point than pure aluminium oxide. This means a lower amount of energy is required to establish effective conditions for electrolysis and thus makes it more cost effective.