Level 2 – Application Questions

*12 Use of the Data Booklet is relevant to this question.

For each of the following, predict what might happen when the two reagents are
mixed together. Write balanced equations for any reactions that occur.

Note: Question is asking to predict if a reaction occurs (Qn type 2)

Recall: How to solve Qn type 2
 From Data Booklet, select ALL half-equations that contain the reacting
species and circle the reacting species in each half-equation.
 Choose the pair of reduction and oxidation half-equations that will give the
most positive Ecell value.
Marking points:
 Quotes correct half-equations and E values from Data Booklet
 Correctly calculate Ecell and conclude on feasibility
 Write balanced equations/observations (if necessary)

(a) NaBr(aq) added to Fe3+(aq)

Species present: Br and Fe3+
Since Br can only be oxidised, Fe3+ must be reduced (i.e. LHS of equation)
Br2(aq) + 2e  2Br(aq) +1.07 V ---[O]
Fe3+(aq) + e–  Fe2+(aq) +0.77 V ---[R]

Ecell = Ered  Eox

= (+0.77) – (+1.07) = 0.30 V < 0 (not energetically feasible)

(b) V3+(aq) added to Cu2+(aq)

species V2+ V3+ VO2+ VO2+
colour purple green blue yellow

Species present: V3+ and Cu2+

Since Cu2+ can only be reduced, V3+ must be oxidised (i.e. RHS of equation).
Cu2+(aq) + 2e–  Cu(s) +0.34 V ---[R]
VO (aq) + 2H+(aq) + e–  V3+(aq) + H2O(l) +0.34 V ---[O]
2+

Ecell = Ered  Eox

= (+0.34) – (+0.34) = 0.00 V (system is at equilibrium)
Overall : Cu2+(aq) + 2V3+(aq) + 2H2O(l)  Cu(s) + 2VO2+(aq) + 4H+(aq)

Note: If Ecell is greater than 0 V, you should check if the vanadium product
can undergo further redox!

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 12 Topic 8: Galvanic Cells

 (c) acidified NaCl(aq) added to KMnO4(aq).
Species present: MnO4–, H+ and Cl– (K+ and Na+ are spectator ions)
MnO4–(aq) + 8H+(aq) + 5e–  Mn2+(aq) + 4H2O(l) +1.52 V---[R] more +ve
Cl2(aq) + 2e  2Cl (aq)
– –
+1.36 V---[O]
2H+ + 2e–  H2(g) 0.00 V

E cell
 
= E red  E ox
= (+1.52) – (+1.36) = +0.16 V > 0 V (energetically feasible)
Overall : 2MnO4–(aq) + 16H+(aq) + 10Cl–(aq)  2Mn2+(aq) + 5Cl2(aq) + 8H2O(l)
Obsn : Purple KMnO4 decolourises and pale yellow Cl2(aq) formed.

(d) Na2S2O3 added to Fe metal

Species present: Fe and S2O32–. (Na+ is spectator ion)
S4O62–(aq) + 2e–  2S2O32–(aq) +0.09 V ---[O]
Fe (aq) + 2e  Fe(s)
2+ –
–0.44 V ---[O]
No reaction since both S2O32– and Fe cannot be oxidised in the absence
of an oxidising agent.

(e) SnCl2(aq) added to acidified H2O2(aq)

Species present: Sn2+(aq), Cl(aq), H+(aq), H2O2(aq)
Sn2+(aq) + 2e  Sn(s) 0.14 V
Sn (aq) + 2e  Sn (aq)
4+  2+
+0.15 V ---[O] most –ve
Cl2(aq) + 2e  2Cl (aq)
 
+1.36 V
2H+(aq) + 2e  H2 0.00 V
H2O2(aq) + 2H+ + 2e  2H2O +1.77 V ---[R] most +ve
O2 + 2H+ + 2e  H2O2 +0.68 V

Ecell = Ered  Eox

= (+1.77) – (+0.15) = +1.62 V > 0 V (energetically feasible)
Overall : H2O2(aq) + 2H+(aq) + Sn2+(aq)  2H2O(l) + Sn4+(aq)
Obsn : No effervescence and no metal formed.

Note: There two other reactions that are also energetically feasible (i.e. H2O2 with
Cl and H+ with Sn2+). However, we would usually give the one that is the
most energetically feasible as the answer.

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 13 Topic 8: Galvanic Cells

*13 [2011 TJC Prelim P3/Q4(a)]
Researchers in Japan have recently developed a low cost lithium–copper air fuel
cell consisting of a copper cathode immersed in an aqueous alkaline electrolyte
and a lithium anode immersed in an organic electrolyte. Mixing of the two
electrolyte solutions is prevented by using a solid electrolyte separator where only
lithium ions can pass through the separator.  salt bridge

 salt bridge
The copper electrode is oxidised by oxygen in the air to generate copper(I) oxide.
During discharge, copper(I) oxide will be reduced to copper solid at the cathode.
Similarly, during discharge, lithium will be oxidised to give lithium ions at the
anode and pass through the separator into the aqueous alkaline electrolyte.

(a) (i) Write half–equations for the reaction occurring at each electrode when
the battery discharges.
anode (or Li) : Li  Li+ + e (use ‘’)
cathode (or Cu) : Cu2O + H2O + 2e  2Cu + 2OH (use ‘’)
(not Cu+ + e  Cu !)

Note:
For half–equation that cannot be obtained from the Data Booklet, read the
information given in the question and apply ‘KOHe’ to form the half–equation
on your own!

(ii) The voltage of this cell is found to be +2.30 V.  Ecell = +2.30 V

With reference to the Data Booklet, calculate the E for the reduction
of copper(I) oxide half–cell.
Note: Question involves a half-eqn not in Data Booklet (Qn type 3)
Recall: How to solve Qn type 3
 Read the question carefully for clues on what reaction is
happening at each electrode
 Write balanced half-equations for the reaction happening at each
electrode, and assign each electrode as cathode (reduction) and
anode (oxidation).

From the Data Booklet, E(Li+/Li) = 3.04 V

Ecell = Ered  Eox
+2.30 = E(Cu2O/Cu)  (3.04)
E(Cu2O/Cu) = 0.74 V (2dp + sign + units!)

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 14 Topic 8: Galvanic Cells

 (iii) State the assumptions you made in your calculation for (a)(ii).
Since calculations involve E values from Data Booklet:
Temperature of setup is 298 K (or 25 C).
Concentration of aqueous alkaline electrolyte is 1 mol dm3.

(b) Suggest a reason why an aqueous alkaline electrolyte cannot be used

solely in this lithium–copper air fuel cell.
Li, which is a Group 1 metal, reacts with water vigorously. Hence, the Li
anode must be immersed in an organic electrolyte.

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 15 Topic 8: Galvanic Cells

*14 [N2006/P2/Q2, N2012/P3/Q2(a), (b) modified]
Chlorine and iodine differ in their relative reactivity as oxidising agents.
(a) Chlorine is a gas under standard conditions.
Although iodine is not very soluble in water, it is freely soluble in KI(aq),
according to the following equilibrium.
I(aq) + I2(s)  I3(aq)
A solution containing I3(aq) reacts as if it were a solution of iodine in water.

(i) Draw a fully labelled diagram of the electrochemical cell you would set
up in order to measure the relative oxidising powers of chlorine and
iodine under standard conditions.
Note: Qn stated that “I3 reacts as if it were a solution of I2 in water”.
E(I3/ I) = +0.54 V ---[O] (more –ve)
E(Cl2/Cl) = +1.36 V ---[R] (more +ve)
anode e e cathode
V
(negative) (positive)
Cl2(g), 1 bar,
298 K
salt bridge
3
1 mol dm I3(aq), 1 mol dm3
3 
1 mol dm I (aq), Cl(aq), 298 K
298 K
platinised
Pt(s)
Pt(s)
Examiners’ Report:
Despite the question asking for only one electrochemical cell, many
candidates chose to draw two cells, each with a standard hydrogen electrode
on one side.
Although most candidates could describe the chlorine electrode, few
described correctly the iodine electrode (a Pt electrode dipped in a mixture of
1 mol dm3 I(aq) and I2(s) or I3(aq)).
Many suggested a solid electrode made of (nonconducting) iodine or
suggested passing I2(g) over a Pt electrode.
Other incorrect answers were the omission of salt bridge or the inclusion of a
battery in the circuit.

(ii) Describe the measurements you would make, and explain their
significance.
Note the Ecell value on the voltmeter at first instance of cell
being connected.
The X2 in the half–cell connected to positive electrode has a
greater tendency to be reduced and is a stronger oxidising agent.
Hence, the positive electrode is the half–cell with the more positive
E.

Examiners’ Report:
Candidates were expected to suggest measuring the E of the cell and to
explain that the more positive of the two electrodes would contain the
stronger oxidising agent. Candidates should be aware of the difference
between ‘more positive’ and ‘larger or bigger’.

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 16 Topic 8: Galvanic Cells

*14 (a) (iii) Write a balanced equation for the reaction that would take place if the
electrodes of the cell were connected together by an external circuit.
Cl2(g) + 2I–(aq)  2Cl–(aq) + I2(aq) (use ‘’)

(b) When solutions of I(aq) and Fe3+(aq) are mixed, an equilibrium is set up.
(i) Write a balanced equation for this equilibrium.
2Fe3+(aq) + 2I–(aq)  2Fe2+(aq) + I2(aq) (use ‘’)

Examiners’ Report:
Some candidates suggested incorrectly the Ksplike equilibrium: 3I(aq) +
Fe3+(aq)  FeI3(s) whilst other suggested that I(aq) could reduce Fe3+ to Fe
metal. Overall, most showed the correct redox reaction.

(ii) Use the Data Booklet to suggest how the position of equilibrium,
involving I(aq) and Fe3+(aq), would change in the presence of CN
ions. Explain your answer.
[Hint: Consider which Fe(III)/Fe(II) electrode potential you should use.]
When CN‒(aq) is added, both Fe2+(aq) and Fe3+(aq) forms the
complex ions Fe(CN)64‒(aq) and Fe(CN)63‒(aq) respectively.

Fe3+ + e–  Fe2+ E = +0.77 V

[Fe(CN)6]3– + e–  [Fe(CN)6]4– E = +0.36 V

Since E([Fe(CN)6]3–/[Fe(CN)6]4–) is less positive than

E(Fe3+/Fe2+), it implies that [Fe(CN)6]3– is less likely to be reduced
than Fe3+ (or the oxidising power of [Fe(CN)6]3 is lower than Fe3+).

Hence, the position of equilibrium in (b)(i) will lie more to the left.

Examiners’ Report:
The majority of candidates gave answers written in terms of CN ions causing
[Fe3+] to decrease and thus moving the equilibrium to the left. These
candidates did not appreciate that the CN forms complexes with both Fe3+
and Fe2+ and therefore, adding CN to a solution containing Fe3+ and Fe2+ will
cause the concentrations of both cations to decrease.
Only a minority of candidates made use of the E value for the
[Fe(CN)6]3/[Fe(CN)6]4 electrode (+0.36 V) in the Data Booklet to correctly
explain that this indicates that the Fe(III) is less oxidising than I2 (+0.54 V)
under standard condition.

Note: When quoting half–equations for Fe(III)/Fe(II), remember to check if

the system is in normal/acidic, alkaline medium or in a solution of CN.
Under these different conditions, the electrode potential of
Fe(III)/Fe(II) will be different. (see Data Booklet)

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 17 Topic 8: Galvanic Cells

 *14 (c) Aqueous solutions of chlorine and iodine are added separately to two
testtubes each containing Fe2+(aq) ions. Aqueous sodium hydroxide is then
added to each tube. Results are given in the table below.

Cl2(aq) added I2(aq) added

redox rxn with X2(aq)  Fe2+(aq) green solution turns yellow green solutions remains

pptn rxn with NaOH  after addition

brown precipitate green precipitate
to confirm the of NaOH(aq)
formation of Fe3+
(i) What does the colour change when Cl2(aq) is added to Fe2+(aq)
indicate?
Since the solution changes from green to yellow, it implies that
Fe2+(aq) is oxidised to Fe3+(aq) by Cl2 which is an oxidising agent.

(ii) Use E values from the Data Booklet to explain your answer to (c)(i).
Species present: Fe2+ and Cl2
Fe3+(aq) + e–  Fe2+(aq) E = +0.77 V ---[O]
Cl2(g) + 2e–  2Cl–(aq) E = +1.36 V ---[R]

Ecell = Ered  Eox

= (+1.36) – (+0.77) = +0.59 V > 0 V (energetically feasible)

(iii) Use E values to explain why there is no change when I2(aq) is added
to Fe2+(aq). Hence, comment on the relative reactivity of Cl2 and I2
with Fe2+.
Species present: Fe2+ and I2
Fe3+(aq) + e–  Fe2+(aq) E = +0.77 V ---[O]
I2(aq) + 2e–  2I–(aq) E = +0.54 V ---[R]

Ecell = (+0.54) – (+0.77)

= 0.23 V < 0 (NOT energetically feasible)
 Since Ecell for Cl2 is more positive, it implies that Cl2 is a
stronger oxidising agent than I2.

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 18 Topic 8: Galvanic Cells

*14 (d) When aqueous potassium iodide is mixed with aqueous copper(II) sulfate, a
yellowbrown precipitate is formed and the solution loses its blue colour.
When the resulting mixture is shaken with hexane, a purple layer is formed
which floats on top of the mixture.
A white solid, A, with composition by mass: Cu, 33.3%; I, 66.7%, remains.
(i) Calculate the empirical formula of white solid A.
Consider 100 g of A,
element Cu I
mass /g 33.3 66.7
33.3 66.7
amount /mol  0.524  0.526
63.5 126.9
mole ratio 1 1
The empirical formula of A is CuI.
Examiners’ Report:
There were very few candidates who failed to show that the empirical formula of A is
CuI. The most common error involved the use of proton number rather than relative
atomic mass.

(ii) Determine the oxidation number of copper in A.

Oxidation number of Cu in CuI is +1. (sign before number!)

(iii) What substance causes the purple colour when hexane is added?
Note: from Topic 2 – Chemical Bonding
Hexane (C6H14) is a non-polar molecule with weak id-id between the molecules.
Thus, I2 (which is also a non-polar molecule with weak id-id between molecules)
will dissolve preferentially in hexane compared to water.
Hexane is normally added to confirm the identity of the halogen present as the
colour of the halogen in organic solvents are more distinct than in aqueous
solvents such as water.
Colour tends to brown
(from Data Booklet)
with increasing conc.

It is the iodine that causes the purple colour in hexane.

Note: For new syllabus (9729), the colours of the halogens in their elemental state,
aqueous phase and in hexane are given in the Data Booklet!

(iv) Hence write an ionic equation, with state symbols, for the reaction of
copper(II) sulfate with potassium iodide.
2Cu2+(aq) + 4I–(aq)  2CuI(s) + I2(aq)
Note: “Cu2+(aq) + 3I–(aq)  CuI(s) + I2(aq)” is incorrect as the charges on both sides
of equation are not balanced.

Examiners’ Report:
Even though they knew the identities of the reactants and products, most candidates
struggled with this equation, giving equations that were not balanced, contained the
wrong species or were not ionic. From earlier parts of the question, candidates had
established that a redox reaction occurs between Cu2+ ions and I ions with the
formation of CuI and I2.

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 19 Topic 8: Galvanic Cells

 (e) Standard redox potentials may be used to predict the feasibility of a
reaction.
(i) Use appropriate E values from the Data Booklet to show that the
reaction between aqueous copper(II) sulfate and aqueous potassium
iodide is unlikely to occur.
Species present: Cu2+ and I2
Cu2+(aq) + e–  Cu+(aq) E = +0.15 V ---[R]
I2(aq) + 2e–  2I–(aq) E = +0.54 V ---[O]

Ecell = (+0.15) – (+0.54)

= 0.39 V < 0 V (NOT energetically feasible)
The reaction is unlikely to occur.

Examiners’ Report:
This part was less well answered. Candidates were again required to extract
relevant E data from the Data Booklet. The most common mistake was to
use data for Cu/Cu+ despite the fact that the reaction involves the formation
of Cu+ from Cu2+. Those candidates who chose the correct E values were
usually able to show that the reaction is unlikely to occur – as stated in the
question.

(ii) By using your answers to (d)(iii) and (d)(iv), explain why this reaction
does, in fact, occur.
Cu2+ + e–  Cu+ ---(1)
Cu+ formed reacts with I to give CuI ppt which reduces [Cu+(aq)].
This causes the position of equilibrium of (1) to shift right, making
E(Cu2+/Cu+) more positive than +0.15 V

I2 + 2e–  2I– ---(2)

When shaken with hexane, some I2 is removed into the hexane
layer and this reduces [I2(aq)]. This causes the position of
equilibrium of (2) to shift left, making E(I2/I–) more negative (or
less positive) than +0.54 V
 Ecell becomes more positive
such that the reaction becomes Ecell  E 
  

Cu2+ /Cu  E I2 /I
 
 
energetically feasible and does more positive less positive
occur.

Examiners’ Report:
This was the most poorly answered part of any question but it was meant to
test candidates’ understanding of some difficult concepts. The question states
that the reaction does in fact occur despite the E data. Examiners gave
credit for straightforward explanation such as how the formation of CuI(s),
which is extremely insoluble, will drive the reaction.

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 20 Topic 8: Galvanic Cells

*15 [N2010/P3/Q3(a), (b) modified]
The direct oxidation of alcohols in a fuel cell represents potentially the most
efficient method of obtaining useful energy from a renewable fuel.
(a) The first alcohol to be used successfully in a fuel cell was methanol. At the
anode, methanol reacts with water to give carbon dioxide. The electrons
then pass around the external circuit to the cathode. The protons move
through the conducting polymer electrolyte to the cathode, where they react
with oxygen, producing water.

(i) Construct equations for the reactions occurring at the cathode and
anode.
cathode : O2 + 4H+ + 4e–  2H2O ---(1)
anode : CH3OH + H2O  CO2 + 6H+ + 6e– ---(2)

(ii) Hence, construct the equation for the overall reaction, showing your
working.
(1)  3 + (2)  2:
2CH3OH + 2H2O + 3O2 + 12H+ + 12e–  2CO2 + 12H+ + 6H2O + 12e–
Overall: 2CH3OH + 3O2  2CO2 + 4H2O
(Working for the derivation of the overall equation is required as stated
in the question.)
Examiners’ Report:
Part (i) to (iii) were generally well answered: the equation of the cathode
reaction of the fuel cell was correctly identified, and hence for the overall
reaction. Some candidates did not show the working as was requested in the
wording of the question.
For (iii): The value for the E of the CO2/CH3OH electrode reaction was
determined, some candidates however gave a negative sign for the answer.

(iii) The cell is capable of producing an e.m.f. of 1.18 V. By using suitable

data from the Data Booklet, suggest a value for E(CO2/CH3OH).
From the Data Booklet, E(O2/H2O) = +1.23 V
Ecell = Ered  Eox
+1.18 = (+1.23)  E(CO2/CH3OH)
E(CO2/CH3OH)= +0.05 V (2dp + sign + units!)

(iv) Suggest a possible advantage of using the methanol fuel cell

compared to the hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell.
Liquid methanol takes up less storage space /easier to transport
/does not need to be kept under pressure as compared to gaseous
hydrogen.
or
Methanol is much less explosive than hydrogen.

Extension:
Suggest a disadvantage of using the methanol fuel cell compared to
the hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell.

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 21 Topic 8: Galvanic Cells

 (b) (i) Write an equation for the complete combustion of 1 mole of methanol.
3
CH3 OH  l   O2  g  CO2  g  2H2 O  l 
2

(ii) Using the equations in (a)(i) and (b)(i), and the data given in (a)(iii),
determine the standard enthalpy change of combustion of liquid
methanol, given that the standard entropy change of combustion of
liquid methanol is 107 J mol1 K1.
Using Gr (in J mol1) = zFEcell and z = 12,
Gr = 12  96500  (+1.18) = 1.37  106 J mol1
= 1370 kJ mol1 (for 2 mol CH3OH)

Using Gc = Hc TSc,

 107 
Hc of liquid methanol = ½(1370) + 298  
 1000 
= 715 kJ mol1 (3sf + sign + units)

Note: Hc is the heat evolved when 1 mole of substance is

completely burnt in excess oxygen under standard conditions
of 298 K and 1 bar.
In this case, Gr is calculated based on 2 moles of CH3OH (i.e.
Gr = 2Gc).

(iii) The standard enthalpy change of combustion of liquid ethanol is

1370 kJ mol1.
Using the above data and your answer in (b)(ii), state your preferred
choice of fuel. Support your choice with appropriate explanation.
Ethanol would be a better fuel since Hc of ethanol is more
exothermic and would give off more energy per mole of ethanol
burnt than methanol.

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 22 Topic 8: Galvanic Cells