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Underground iron pipes in contact with moist soil are likely to corrode. This corrosion
can be prevented by applying the principles of electrochemistry. Connecting an iron
pipe to a magnesium block with a wire creates an electrochemical cell. The magnesium
block acts as the anode and the iron pipe acts as the cathode. A diagram of this system
is shown below.
2. State the direction of the flow of electrons between the electrodes in this cell.
5. Balance the equation for the reaction that produces electricity, using the smallest whole-
number coefficients.
_____ Cd(s) + _____ NiO2(s) + _____ H2O(l) _____ Cd(OH)2(s) + _____ Ni(OH)2(s)
6. Determine the change in oxidation number for the element that makes up the anode in the
reaction that produces electricity.
9. Which metal is more active than Ni and less active than Zn?
(1) Cu (2) Cr (3) Mg (4) Pb
11. Given the balanced equation representing the reaction occurring in a voltaic cell:
Zn(s) + Pb2+(aq) Zn2+(aq) + Pb(s)
In the completed external circuit, the electrons flow from
(1) Pb(s) to Zn(s) (2) Pb2+(aq) to Zn2+(aq)
(3) Zn(s) to Pb(s) (4) Zn2+(aq) to Pb2+(aq)
12. Explain why AgNO3 is a better choice than AgCl for use in this electrolytic process.
15. Based on Reference Table J, identify one metal that does not react spontaneously with
HCl.
Base your answers to questions 16 through 18 on the diagram below. The diagram shows a
voltaic cell with copper and aluminum electrodes immediately after the external circuit is
completed.
16. Balance the redox equation using the smallest whole-number coefficients.
17. As this voltaic cell operates, the mass of the Al(s) electrode decreases. Explain, in terms
of particles, why this decrease in mass occurs.
Explain, in terms of chemical reactivity, why copper pipes are less likely to corrode than
iron pipes.
Base your answers to questions 23 and 24 on the information and diagram below.
The apparatus shown in the diagram consists of two inert platinum electrodes immersed
in water. A small amount of an electrolyte, H2SO4, must be added to the water for the
reaction to take place. The electrodes are connected to a source that supplies electricity.
24. What particles provided by the electrolyte allow an electric current to flow?
Electrochemical Cells Practice Problems – Answer Key
1. (3)
2. From Mg to Fe
3. Mg will donate e- more readily than Zn helping Fe fight oxidation better
4. (4)
5. 1, 1, 2, 1, 1
6. Increases from 0 to +2
7. Cd replaces Ni in the compound which means Cd is more active/reactive than Ni
8. (1)
9. (2)
10. (3)
11. (3)
12. AgCl is not soluble
13. To provide energy to force e- to the cathode (or the metal spoon)
14. (4)
15. Cu, Ag, Au
16. 3, 2, 3, 2
17. Al(s) (or Al0) loses e- (is oxidized) forming Al3+ ions which “fall off” electrode into solution
18. To allow restricted ion flow; prevent charge build-up; allow ions to move between cells
19. (4)
20. (2)
21. Fe is more active/reactive than H2
22. Cu is less active/reactive than H2, so Cu will not be oxidized by the acid
23. Electrolytic
24. Ions