Introduction of electrolysis

1. The experiment shown is used to test potassium bromide crystals.

The lamp does not light. Distilled water is then added to the beaker and the lamp lights.
Which statement explains these results?
A Electrons are free to move in the solution when potassium bromide dissolves.
B Metal ions are free to move when potassium bromide melts.
C Metal ions are free to move when potassium reacts with water.
D Oppositely charged ions are free to move in the solution when potassium bromide dissolves.
2. The diagram shows the apparatus needed to extract aluminium from aluminium oxide.

Which statement about this process is correct?

A The electrolyte is a solid mixture of aluminium oxide and cryolite.
B The electrolyte is aluminium oxide dissolved in water.
C The equation for the reaction at the positive electrode is Al3+ + 3e– → Al.
D The positive carbon electrodes lose mass during the process and need regular replacement.
3. Which substance in the table is the element iodine?

4. Which method is used in industry to extract aluminium from bauxite?

A electrolysis B heating alone C heating with carbon D heating with magnesium

5. Hydrogen can form both H+ ions and H– ions. Which one of the statements below is correct?
A An H+ ion has more protons than an H– ion. B An H+ ion has no electrons.
C An H– ion has one more electron than an H+ ion.
D An H– ion is formed when a hydrogen atom loses an electron.
6. Which substance could be sodium chloride?
 7. A dark, shiny solid, X, conducts electricity. Oxygen combines with X to form a gaseous oxide. What
is X?
A graphite B iodine C iron D lead

8. The conduction of electricity by metals is carried out by the movement of

A electrons only. B electrons and positive ions.
C negative ions only. D negative ions and positive ions.

9. Which ionic equation represents the reaction taking place at the anode during the electrolysis of
molten aluminum oxide?
A Al3+ + 3e– → Al B 2Al3+ + 3O2 → Al 2O3
2–
C O – 2e– → O2 D 2O2– – 4e– → O2

10. The diagram shows the electrolytic production of aluminum.

What is the physical state of the aluminium oxide and aluminium during this process?

11. Which statement about conduction of electricity is correct?

A Electricity is conducted in aqueous solution by electrons.
B Electricity is conducted in a metal wire by ions.
C Electricity is conducted in a molten electrolyte by electrons.
D Electricity is conducted in an acid solution by ions.

12. Why does molten sodium chloride conduct electricity?

A An electron is completely transferred from sodium to chlorine.
B Sodium ions are only weakly attracted to the chloride ions.
C The electrons in the sodium chloride are free to move.
D The sodium ions and the chloride ions are free to move.

13. The equation shows what happens in a redox reaction between iron(II) chloride and chlorine gas.
2FeCl2 +Cl2 → 2FeCl3
Which equation describes the reduction process in this reaction?
A 2Cl–→ Cl2 + 2e– B Cl2 + 2e– → 2Cl–
2+ 3+
C Fe → Fe + e– D Fe3+ + e– → Fe2+
 14. Which substance will conduct electricity without being chemically changed?
A sodium chloride solution B solid iron
C solid sodium chloride D solid sulfur

15. Hydrogen and sulfur react to form the compound hydrogen sulfide. Which row shows the type of
bonding between hydrogen and sulfur and the electrical conductivity of liquid hydrogen sulfide?

16. Which change involves reduction?

A calcium carbonate to calcium oxide B copper to brass
C ethene to poly(ethene) D sand to silicon

17. The list shows some properties of metals.

1 Metals are good conductors of electricity.
2 Metals form ions by the loss of electrons.
3 Metals have high melting points.
Mercury is a metallic element.
Which of these statements do not apply to mercury?
A 1 only B 1 and 2 C 2 and 3 D 3 only
18. In the electrolysis of aluminium oxide to extract pure aluminium a compound called cryolite is first
added to the oxide. What is the reason for adding the cryolite?
A to reduce the corrosion of the carbon electrodes by oxygen
B to reduce energy costs
C to enable the aluminium ions and oxygen ions to move to the electrodes
D to prevent the aluminium formed from being oxidised back to aluminium oxide

19. The diagram shows apparatus used to investigate the conductivity of different solutions.

Which substance, in aqueous solution of concentration 1 mol / dm3, would cause the lamp to give
the brightest light?
A ammonia B ethanoic acid C ethanol D sulfuric acid

Answers to MCQS

S# Answer S# Answer S# Answer S# Answer S# Answer

1 D 5 B 9 D 13 B 17 D

2 D 6 C 10 A 14 B 18 B

3 D 7 A 11 D 15 B 19 D
 4 A 8 A 12 D 16 D

Electrolysis of Molten and Aqueous solution

1.What is the correct equation for the reaction taking place at the negative electrode when molten
magnesium chloride is electrolyzed using inert electrodes?
A Cl–→ Cl + e– B 2Cl–→ Cl2 + 2e–
+
C Mg + e– → Mg D Mg2+ + 2e– → Mg

2. The diagram shows the electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride and of molten sodium chloride.

Which substance in the diagram has both positive ions and mobile electrons?
A aqueous sodium chloride B copper wire
C graphite electrodes D molten sodium chloride

3. Aluminum is manufactured by the electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide.

Which gas is not formed during this process?
A carbon dioxide B carbon monoxide C oxygen D sulfur dioxide
4. When concentrated aqueous sodium chloride is electrolysed using carbon electrodes, which row
correctly states the products at the electrodes and the solution remaining?

5. In the experiment shown in the diagram, the bulb lights and two colourless gases are formed, one at
each electrode.
What is X?
A concentrated aqueous sodium chloride B dilute sulfuric acid
C methanol D molten sodium chloride
6. How can sodium be manufactured?
A by electrolysing aqueous sodium chloride B by electrolysing aqueous sodium hydroxide

C by electrolysing molten sodium chloride D by heating sodium oxide with carbon

7. Which statement about the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of copper(II) sulfate with platinum
electrodes is correct?
A Oxygen is given off at the positive electrode.
B The mass of the negative electrode remains constant.
C The mass of the positive electrode decreases.
D There is no change in the colour of the solution.
8. The diagram shows the results of an electrolysis experiment using inert electrodes.

Which could be liquid X?

A aqueous copper(II) sulfate B concentrated aqueous sodium chloride
C dilute sulfuric acid D ethanol
9. Two cells, P and Q, containing different liquids, were connected in series with a battery, a suitable
lamp and inert electrodes, as shown in the diagram.

For which pair of liquids did the lamp light up?

10. Which row in the table describes the processes occurring at the electrodes when molten sodium
chloride is electrolysed?
 11. A substance Q conducts electricity both when solid and molten. What is Q?
A an alloy B a hydrocarbon C a metal oxide D a salt

12. When the experiment shown is set up, the bulb lights, but there are no decomposition products at
the electrodes.

What is X?
Aaqueous sodium chloride B bromine C molten sodium chloride D mercury
13. What are the products formed at the electrodes during the electrolysis of molten magnesium
chloride between carbon electrodes?

14. Aqueous copper(II) sulphate is electrolysed using inert electrodes as shown.

Which ionic equations show the reactions at the electrodes?

1 Cu2+ + 2e– → Cu 2 Cu → Cu2+ + 2e–
+
3 2H + 2e– → H2 4 4OH–→ 2H2O + O2 + 4e–
A 1 and 2 only B 1 and 4 only C 2 and 3 only D 3 and 4 only

15. Which products are formed at the electrodes when a concentrated solution of sodium chloride is
electrolyzed?
 16. Which reactions take place during the electrolysis of aqueous copper(II) sulphate with copper
electrodes?

17. The diagram shows the electrolytic production of aluminium.

What are the products at the electrodes?

18. When dilute sulphuric acid is electrolysed between platinum electrodes, which statements are
correct?

1 Hydrogen is released at the cathode. 2 Oxygen is released at the anode.

3 Sulphur is released at the anode. 4 The acid becomes more dilute.
A 1 and 2 B 1 and 3 C 2 and 4 D 4 only

19. Which reactions take place during the electrolysis of aqueous copper(II) sulfate with copper
electrodes?

20. Which change always takes place when an aqueous solution of copper(II) sulfate is electrolyzed?
A Copper is deposited at the negative electrode. B Oxygen is evolved at the positive electrode.
C Sulfate ions move towards the negative electrode. D The color of the solution fades.
 21. Three electrolysis cells are set up. Each cell has inert electrodes. The electrolytes are listed below.

cell 1 aqueous sodium chloride cell 2 dilute sulfuric acid cell 3 molten lead(II) bromide

In which of these cells is a gas formed at both electrodes?

A 1 and 2 B 1 and 3 C 2 only D 3 only

22. A concentrated aqueous solution of copper(II) chloride is electrolysed using inert electrodes.
What is the product at the positive electrode?
A chlorine B copper C hydrogen D oxygen

23. The diagrams show an electrolysis experiment using inert electrodes.

Which could be liquid Y?

A aqueous copper(II) sulfate B concentrated aqueous sodium
chloride
C dilute sulfuric acid D ethanol
24. Which substance has metallic bonding?

25. The statements refer to the electrolysis of concentrated copper(II) chloride solution.

1 Electrons are transferred from the cathode to the copper(II) ions.

2 Electrons move around the circuit from the cathode to the anode.

3 Chloride ions are attracted to the anode.

4 Hydroxide ions transfer electrons to the cathode.

Which statements about the electrolysis of concentrated copper(II) chloride are correct?

A 1 and 3 B 1 and 4 C 2 and 3 D 2 and 4

26. The diagram shows the electrolysis of molten lead(II) bromide using inert electrodes.
What happens during this electrolysis?
AAtoms change to ions. B Covalent bonds are broken.
C Ions change to atoms. D New compounds are formed.
27. Which element can only be extracted from its ore using electrolysis?
A calcium B copper C lead D silver

28. Which statement about conduction of electricity is correct?

A Electricity is conducted in aqueous solution by electrons.
B Electricity is conducted in a metal wire by ions.
C Electricity is conducted in a molten electrolyte by electrons.
D Electricity is conducted in an acid solution by ions.

29. In the electrolysis of molten aluminum oxide for the extraction of aluminum, the following three
reactions take place.
1 Al3+ + 3e– → Al 2 2O2–→ O2 + 4e– 3 C + O2 → CO2
Which reactions take place at the positive electrode?
A 1 only B 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only

30. Which substance can conduct electricity by the movement of ions?

A copper B graphite C mercury D sodium chloride
31. A concentrated aqueous solution of sodium chloride is electrolyzed. What are the equations for the
reactions taking place at the cathode (negative electrode) and the anode (positive electrode)?

Answers to MCQS

S# Answer S# Answer S# Answer S# Answer S# Answer

1 D 8 C 15 A 22 A 29 D

2 B 9 D 16 D 23 C 30 D

3 D 10 A 17 D 24 A 31 A

4 B 11 A 18 A 25 A

5 B 12 D 19 D 26 C

6 C 13 C 20 A 27 A
 7 A 14 B 21 A 28 D

Structured Questions
Q 1. Concentrated hydrochloric acid can be electrolyzed using the apparatus shown.

(a) Define the term electrolysis? [1]

(b) What is the name given to the positive electrode? Put a ring around the correct answer.
Anion anode cathode cation electrolyte [1]

(c) State the name of the gas given off at the negative electrode. [1]

(d) Complete the following sentence about electrolysis using words from the list.
Inert magnesium platinum reactive solid

Electrodes made of graphite or ………… are generally used in electrolysis because they are ……… [2]

(e) When concentrated hydrochloric acid is electrolyzed, chlorine is released.

(i) Draw the shells and the electronic structure in an atom of chlorine. [1]

(ii) Draw the electronic structure of a chlorine molecule. Show only the outer electron shells. [2]

(iii) Describe a test for chlorine.

test

result [2]

(f) Hydrochloric acid reacts with the base calcium hydroxide.

(i) Complete the word equation for this reaction.

hydrochloric acid + calcium hydroxide → …………………… + …………………………………… [2]

(ii) Hydrochloric acid also reacts with zinc. Complete the symbol equation for this reaction.

Zn + ........HCl → ZnCl2+ ........ [2]

[Total: 14]

Q 2.Only liquids that contain moving ions can be electrolyzed. These liquids are called electrolytes.

(a) Complete the following table which shows the products formed when some liquids are electrolyzed
using inert graphite electrodes.

[3]

(b) When concentrated aqueous sodium chloride is electrolysed, chlorine is formed at the positive electrode
(anode) and hydrogen at the negative electrode (cathode).
(i) Construct the ionic equation to show the formation of chlorine at the positive electrode.

....................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Explain why hydrogen is formed at the negative electrode rather than sodium.

...........................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................... [1]

(c) Name a metal manufactured by the electrolysis of a molten ionic compound.

............................................................................................................................................... [1]
[Total: 6]

Q 3.A student electrolyzed molten lead(II) bromide and dilute sulfuric acid in the apparatus shown below.

(a) What was produced at the electrodes A, B, C and D?

A ......................................................................................................................................

B ......................................................................................................................................

C ......................................................................................................................................

D ................................................................................................................................ [4]

(b) What, if anything, happened to the brightness of the lamp when the following changes were made to the
experiment?

(i) Water was added to the dilute sulfuric acid.

............................................................................................................................ [1]

(ii) The heating was stopped and the apparatus was left to cool. Explain your answer.

..................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................ [2]

[Total: 7]

Q 4.The electrical conductivity of a substance is related to its structure and bonding.

(a) Graphite and diamond are both forms of solid carbon. Explain why graphite conducts electricity but
diamond does not.
..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................... [2]
(b) Explain why solid sodium chloride does not conduct electricity whereas aqueous sodium chloride does
conduct electricity.
..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................... [2]

(c) Complete the following table about electrolysis using inert graphite electrodes.

[3]
(d) Describe one commercial use of electrolysis.

use ...................................................................................................................................

electrolyte used ................................................................................................................

ionic equation for reaction at the cathode ........................................................................ [3]

[Total: 10]

Q 5.A student electrolyzed aqueous copper(II) sulfate, using carbon electrodes. The apparatus is shown
below.

After a few minutes, a pink solid was

deposited on one electrode and a gas was
evolved at the other electrode.

(a) (i) At which electrode, A or B, was the

pink solid deposited? Explain your answer.

..................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................. [1]

(ii) Name the pink solid.

............................................................................................................................. [1]

Eventually, no more pink solid was formed. Instead, a gas was produced at this electrode.
(b) (i) Name this gas.

............................................................................................................................. [1]

(ii) Give a positive test for this gas.

............................................................................................................................. [1]

(c) (i) Name the gas evolved at the other electrode.

............................................................................................................................. [1]

(ii) Give a positive test for this gas.

............................................................................................................................. [1]

(d) (i) How does the colour of the electrolyte change during the electrolysis?

The colour changes from ........................................ to ........................................ [1]

(ii) Explain why this colour change takes place.

............................................................................................................................. [1]
[Total: 8]

Q 6.The apparatus below is used to compare the results of passing a current through aqueous copper(II)
sulfate using different electrodes.

(a) What colour is aqueous copper(II)

sulfate?

...................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) (i) In which cell, A or B, is a colour change not seen in the solution?

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(ii) Describe what is seen at each electrode in this cell, as the electrolysis proceeds?

..................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................. [2]

(iii) Explain why a colour change is not seen in the solution in this cell.

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(c) (i) What colour change is seen in the solution in the other cell?

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(ii) At which electrode H, I, J or K is a gas produced?

......................................... [1]
(iii) Name this gas.

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

Give a test for this gas

test ...........................................................................................................................

observation ........................................................................................................... [1]

(iv) What is seen at the other electrode in this cell?

.............................................................................................................................. [1]
[Total: 10]
Q 7.Electrolysis is the decomposition of a liquid by the passage of an electrical current.

(a) Aqueous copper(II) sulphate contains the following ions, Cu2+, H+, OH– and SO42–.
Aqueous copper(II) sulphate can be electrolysed using inert electrodes. The electrode reactions are
represented below.

(i) Explain why copper, not hydrogen, is formed at the cathode.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

(ii) Explain why the formation of oxygen at the anode is an example of oxidation.
...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

(iii) The electrolysis of aqueous copper(II) sulphate using copper electrodes has a different anode reaction.
Give the equation for the electrode reaction at the anode.
................................................................................................................................... [3]

(b) Molten lead(II) bromide decomposes when an electric current is passed through it.
(i) Explain why solid lead(II) bromide will not conduct electricity but molten lead(II) bromide will.
...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

(ii) Construct the equations for the two electrode reactions.

cathode .....................................................................................................................

anode ........................................................................................................................ [4]

Q 8.Chlorine, hydrogen and sodium hydroxide are made by the electrolysis of concentrated aqueous
sodium chloride.
(a) Aqueous sodium chloride contains the following ions, Na+, H+, OH– and Cl–.
Concentrated aqueous sodium chloride can be electrolysed using inert electrodes. The electrode reactions
are represented below.

(i) Explain why hydrogen, not sodium, is formed at the cathode.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

(ii) Suggest why, as the electrolysis proceeds, the concentration of sodium hydroxide in the electrolyte
increases.
...................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) Describe a chemical test for each of the gases produced during the electrolysis of concentrated
aqueous sodium chloride.
(i) chlorine
...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

(ii) hydrogen
...................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................... [2]

(c) Describe the use of chlorine in the purification of water.

..........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [1]

(d) Describe an advantage of using hydrogen as a possible fuel in the future.

..........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [1]

(e) Name the products, if any, of the reaction of chlorine with

(i) aqueous potassium fluoride,

...................................................................................................................................

(ii) aqueous sodium bromide.

................................................................................................................................... [2]

Q 9.A student electrolyzed lead bromide and aqueous sodium chloride in the apparatus shown below.

Each of the electrodes is labelled with a letter.

(a) Why was it necessary for lead bromide to be molten?

...................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) (i) What was produced at electrode A?

...................................................................................................................................

(ii) What was the appearance of this product?

...................................................................................................................................

(iii) What was produced at electrode B?

...................................................................................................................................

(iv) Where did this product collect?

................................................................................................................................... [4]
(c) Gases were produced at electrodes C and D. In each case name the gas and give a test to confirm its
presence.

(i) the gas produced at C ..............................................................................................

test for this gas .........................................................................................................

(ii) gas produced at D ....................................................................................................

test for this gas ......................................................................................................... [4]

(d) What change should be made so that sodium is produced at one of the electrodes?

...................................................................................................................................... [1]

Q 10.The apparatus below was used to electrolyse water.

(a) (i) Why was a small volume of sulphuric acid added to the water?

...................................................................................................................................

(ii) Name the gas collected in tube X and give a test for this gas.
gas ............................................................................................................................

test ............................................................................................................................
(iii) Name the gas collected in tube Y and give a test for this gas.

gas ............................................................................................................................

test ............................................................................................................................ [5]

(b) State how the volume of gas collected in tube X compares with the volume of gas collected in tube Y.
..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(c) Name a gas that may be used to sterilise water and give a test for this gas.

gas ...................................................................................................................................

test .............................................................................................................................. [2]

(d) A student added a small piece of sodium and a small piece of iron to separate samples of water. What
observations were made?

sodium ..............................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

iron ...................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

Q 11. (a) Concentrated aqueous sodium chloride contains H+ and OH– ions.

(i) Give the formulae of two other ions present in concentrated aqueous sodium chloride.

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(ii) Concentrated aqueous sodium chloride is electrolyzed using inert graphite electrodes.

Name the product formed at each electrode.

product at anode ......................................................................................................

product at cathode ............................................................................................... [2]

(b) Impure copper can be purified by electrolysis.

Draw a labelled diagram of the electrolytic cell that can be used to purify copper. [3]

(c) Aluminum is extracted commercially from an aluminum ore by electrolysis.

(i) Name an ore containing aluminum.

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(ii) Name the element used as the anode in this process.

.............................................................................................................................. [1]
[Total: 8]
Q 12.A student electrolyzed concentrated aqueous sodium chloride using the apparatus below.
The solution also contained litmus solution.

(a) (i) Name the gas produced at the anode (positive electrode).

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(ii) Suggest what happened to the colour of the solution around the anode as the electrolysis proceeded.

.............................................................................................................................. [1]
(iii) Why did this change take place?

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) (i) Name the gas produced at the cathode (negative electrode).

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(ii) Give a test for this gas.

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(iii) What happened to the colour of the solution around the cathode as the electrolysis proceeded?

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(iv) Why did this change take place?

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(c) The solution was replaced by a dilute solution of an acid. Suggest which acid would produce the same
gases as those produced with concentrated aqueous sodium chloride.

...................................................................................................................................... [1]

(d) Under what conditions does the electrolysis of sodium chloride produce sodium at one of the
electrodes?

...................................................................................................................................... [1]
[Total: 9]
Q 13.Electrolysis involves the decomposition of a compound by the passage of an electric current.

(a) (i) Complete the table, which relates to the electrolysis of different solutions using inert electrodes.

[3]

(ii) Explain why the electrolysis of concentrated aqueous sodium chloride liberates hydrogen rather than
sodium at the cathode.

..................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(iii) The electrolysis of dilute aqueous sodium chloride liberates oxygen at the anode. Suggest why the
electrolysis of concentrated aqueous sodium chloride liberates chlorine rather than oxygen.

..................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) Aqueous copper(II) sulfate was electrolysed using copper electrodes. The copper anode lost mass as
copper(II) ions were formed and the copper cathode gained mass as copper atoms were formed.

(i) State one industrial application of this electrolysis.

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(ii) The results of an experiment involving the electrolysis of aqueous copper(II) sulfate are shown below.

Use the information in the table to describe how each of the variables affects the mass of copper formed at
the cathode.

temperature ..............................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

current ......................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................

time ..........................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................. [3]
[Total: 9]

Electroplating
1. Which arrangement would be used to electroplate copper onto a steel key?

2. The heat-reflecting shields of some space rockets are gold-plated, using electrolysis. Which
electrodes and electrolyte would be used to gold-plate the heat shield?

3. The apparatus shown below was set up to copper plate the metal spoon.

The experiment did not work.What was the mistake in the apparatus?
AA variable resistor should be included in the electrical circuit.
B Dilute sulphuric acid should be used as the electrolyte.
C The copper electrode should all be in the solution.
D The spoon should be the negative electrode.
4. The diagram shows the electrolysis of aqueous copper(II) sulphate using copper electrodes.
Which graph shows how the mass of the cathode changes during electrolysis?

5. A coil of clean copper wire is suspended in aqueous silver nitrate. Crystals of silver are deposited
on the copper wire. Which statement is not correct?
A The copper is oxidised.
B The total mass of the crystals of silver increases gradually.
C The total number of positive ions in the solution is unchanged.
D The solution turns blue.

6. Which metal is used in the sacrificial protection of iron pipes?

A copper B lead C magnesium D sodium

7. A sample of copper contains a metal impurity which is below copper in the reactivity series.
The diagram shows the apparatus used for refining the sample.

The loss in mass of the anode (positive electrode) is 50 g and the gain in mass of the cathode (negative
electrode) is 45 g. What is the percentage purity of this sample of copper?
A 10.0 % B 11.1 % C 90.0 % D 95.0 %

8. The diagram shows the electrolysis of a concentrated aqueous solution containing both copper(II)
ions and sodium ions.
Which metal is deposited at the negative electrode and why?

9. The diagram shows the apparatus used to electrolyze lead(II) bromide using inert electrodes.

Why does the lamp light up only when the lead(II) bromide is melted?
A Bromine atoms in the lead(II) bromide are converted to ions when it is melted.
B Electrons flow through the lead(II) bromide when it is melted.
C The ions in lead(II) bromide are free to move only when the solid is melted.
D There are no ions in solid lead(II) bromide.

10. What is observed during the electrolysis of aqueous copper(II) sulfate using carbon electrodes?
A A pink solid is deposited on the anode. B Bubbles form on the negative electrode.
C The colour of the solution fades. D The negative electrode becomes smaller.

Answers to MCQS
S# Answer S# Answer S# Answer S# Answer S# Answer

1 B 3 D 5 C 7 C 9 C

2 D 4 D 6 C 8 A 10 C

Structured Questions

Q 1. Chromium is a transition element.

(a) (i) State two differences in the physical properties of chromium and sodium. [2]

(ii) State two differences in the chemical properties of chromium and sodium. [2]

(b) Chromium is used to electroplate steel objects. The diagram shows how this could be done.
(i) Give two reasons why steel objects are plated with chromium. [2]

(ii) The formula of the chromium(III) ion is Cr3+ and of the sulfate ion is SO 42–. Give the formula of
chromium(III) sulfate. [1]

(iii) Write the ionic half-equation for the reaction at the negative electrode (cathode). [2]

(iv) A colourless gas, which relights a glowing splint, is formed at the positive electrode (anode).State the
name of this gas. [1]

(v) During electroplating, it is necessary to add more chromium(III) sulfate but during copper plating using a
copper anode, it is not necessary to add more copper(II) sulfate.

Explain this difference. [2]

[Total: 12]

Q 2. The electroplating of iron with chromium involves four stages.

1. The iron object is cleaned with sulphuric acid, then washed with water.
2. The iron is plated with copper.
3. It is then plated with nickel to prevent corrosion.
4. It is then plated with chromium.

(a) The equation for stage 1 is

Fe + H2SO4 FeSO4 + H2

(i) Write a word equation for this reaction. [2]

(ii) Describe a test for the gas given off in this reaction.

test

result [2]
(b) The diagram shows how iron is electroplated with copper.

(i) Choose a word from the list below which describes the iron object. Put a ring around the correct answer.

Anion anode cathode cation [1]

(ii) What is the purpose of the copper(II) sulphate solution?

(iii) Describe what happens during the electroplating to the iron object, the rod of pure copper. [2]

(iv) Describe a test for copper (II) ions.

test

result [3]

(c) Suggest why chromium is used to electroplate articles. [1]

(d) The information below shows the reactivity of chromium, copper and iron with warm hydrochloric acid.

chromium– few bubbles of gas produced every second

copper – no bubbles of gas produced

iron – many bubbles of gas produced every second

Put these three metals in order of their reactivity with hydrochloric acid. [1]

Galvanic Cell or Voltaic Cell

 1. It has been suggested that the cars of the future could be powered by fuel cells. One type of fuel
cell uses the chemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen to produce electricity. What would be
a disadvantage of using this type of fuel cell to power a car?
AA car cannot be powered by electricity.
B The hydrogen tank might split in an accident, leading to an explosion.
C The product of the reaction between oxygen and hydrogen is toxic.
D The oxygen would need to be obtained from air.

2. Which pair of metals X and Y will produce the highest voltage when used as electrodes in a simple
cell?

3. In which set of apparatus will the bulb be least bright?

4. Aluminium is extracted from its molten oxide ore by electrolysis whereas zinc is extracted by
reduction of its oxide when heated with coke. Which statement explains this?
AAluminium is very high in the reactivity series. B Aluminium ores are very rare.
C Electrolysis is a cheaper method than reduction of the oxide with coke.
D Zinc oxide has a higher melting point than aluminium oxide.

5. Different metals were tested using the apparatus shown. Which pair of metals would produce the
largest voltage?
A copper and silver B magnesium and silver

C magnesium and zinc D zinc and copper

6. In which circuit does the bulb light?

7. Which ionic equation describes a redox reaction?

A Ag+(aq) + Cl–(aq) → AgCl (s)

B 2H+(aq) + CO32–(aq) → CO2(g) + H2O(l)

C H+(aq) + OH–(aq) → H2O(l)

D Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) → Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s)

8. Which two statements indicate that metal M may have a proton number between 21 and 30?
1 It conducts electricity. 2 It does not react with water.
3 It forms two basic oxides with formulae MO and M2O3. 4 It forms two coloured sulfates.
A 1 and 2 B 1 and 4 C 2 and 3 D 3 and 4

9. Four substances have the following electrical properties.

What are these four substances?

 10. Two cells were set up as shown in the diagram. The arrows show the direction of electron flow in
the external circuits.

Which set of metals would give the electron flows in the directions shown?

11. Which change is an example of oxidation?

A chloride ions to chlorine atoms B copper(II) ions to copper atoms
C iron(III) ions to iron(II) ions D oxygen atoms to oxide ions

Answers to MCQS
S# Answer S# Answer S# Answer S# Answer

1 B 4 A 7 D 10 D

2 B 5 B 8 D 11 A

3 D 6 A 9 C

Structured Questions
Q 1. (a) Steel rusting is an example of an oxidation reaction.
(i) Define the term steel.

....................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................. [2]

(ii) Define oxidation in terms of electron transfer.

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) A method of preventing steel rusting is sacrificial protection.

Give an explanation, in terms of electron transfer, why the steel does not rust.
...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(c) Another method of preventing steel rusting is cathodic protection.

(i) Write an equation for the formation of the gas given off at the steel cathode during cathodic protection.

.............................................................................................................................. [2]

(ii) Give one difference between the two methods.

....................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................. [2]
[Total: 9]

Q 2.Zinc is an important metal. Its uses include making alloys and the construction of dry cells (batteries).
(a) Name an alloy which contains zinc. What is the other metal in this alloy?

Name of alloy.............................................................................................................................

Other metal in alloy.................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) The main ore of zinc is zinc blende, ZnS.

(i) The ore is heated in the presence of air to form zinc oxide and sulfur dioxide. Write the equation for this
reaction.

....................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) Give a major use of sulfur dioxide.

....................................................................................................................................... [1]

(c) Zinc can be obtained from zinc oxide in a two-step process. Aqueous zinc sulfate is made from zinc
oxide and then this solution is electrolyzed with inert electrodes. The electrolysis is similar to that of copper
(II) sulfate with inert electrodes.

(i) Name the reagent which will react with zinc oxide to form zinc sulfate.

....................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Complete the following for the electrolysis of aqueous zinc sulfate.
Write the equation for the reaction at the negative electrode.
.............................................................................................................................................

Name the product at the positive electrode.

.............................................................................................................................................

The electrolyte changes from zinc sulfate to .................................................................... . [3]

(d) A dry cell (battery) has a central rod, usually made of graphite. This is the positive electrode which is
surrounded by the electrolyte, typically a paste of ammonium chloride and manganese (IV) oxide, all of
which are in a zinc container which is the negative electrode.

(i) Draw an arrow on the diagram to indicate the direction of electron flow. [1]

(ii) Suggest why the electrolyte is a paste.

....................................................................................................................................... [1]

(iii) The following changes occur in a dry cell. For each change, decide if it is oxidation or reduction and
give a reason for your choice.

Zn to Zn2+
.............................................................................................................................................

Manganese (IV) oxide to manganese(III) oxide

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

[Total: 13]
Q 3.The table below shows the reactivity of five metals with either cold water or steam or with both.
 [1]

(b) A simple electrochemical cell contains two electrodes in an electrolyte.

(i) Complete the diagram below to show how you could measure the voltage between the two different
metal electrodes X and Y.

[1]
(ii) The order of reactivity of some metals is shown below.

Which combination of metals from this list would produce the highest voltage when used as electrodes in
an electrochemical cell?
....................................................................................................................................... [1]

(c) Strips of zinc can be attached to the hull of a ship to stop the steel from rusting. Explain how these
strips of zinc stop the steel from rusting.
...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................. [2]
[Total: 5]

Q 12.Hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells are used to generate electricity. The overall reaction in a hydrogen-
oxygen fuel cell is shown below.
2H2(g) + O2(g) 2H2O(g)
This reaction is exothermic.
(a) Explain the meaning of the term exothermic.

..........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) Explain, in terms of the energy changes associated with bond breaking and bond forming, why the
reaction is exothermic.

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(c) A hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell uses 2000 dm3 of hydrogen measured at room temperature and pressure.

Calculate the volume of oxygen, measured at room temperature and pressure, used by the fuel cell.

[One mole of any gas at room temperature and pressure occupies a volume of 24 dm3.]

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

volume of oxygen = ......................................... dm3 [2]

(d) The electrode reactions in an oxygen-hydrogen fuel shell are shown below.

Explain why the reaction in a fuel cell involves both oxidation and reduction.
..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(e) Name one source of the hydrogen needed for a fuel-cell.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(f) State one advantage and one disadvantage of using an oxygen-hydrogen fuel cell.

advantage ........................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

disadvantage ...................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]
[Total: 10]

Most frequently asked questions from Electrolysis

● Difference in conduction between metals and electrolyte.

● Predict the product of electrolysis of the following salts either in (molten form or aqueous solution
(dilute and concentrated)
a. molten Aluminum oxide(Al2O3)
b. aqueous copper sulphate (CuSO4) using inert and active electrode.
c. molten lead bromide (PbBr2)
d. dilute/concentrated (NaCl)
● Electroplating, Galvanizing (attaching a piece of magnesium with underground iron pipes)
● Electrolytic purification of copper

● Difference in electrolytic and galvanic cell

● Draw and label the diagram of electrolytic cell.

● Definition of electrolysis

● Difference in the product of electrolysis when using Inert and active electrode

● Function of battery, electrolyte and electrolyte

● How to make a galvanic cell of maximum voltage by carefully selecting the metals from activity
series that would serve as anode and cathode.
● Why electrolyte should be in molten form

● Difference in molten and aqueous (dilute and concentrated)