Topic 9 Redox Processes Booklet CSept 2015 ANSWERS SL/HL

9.1 Oxidation and Reduction

1. What are the oxidation numbers of the elements in the compound phosphoric acid,
H3PO4?
Hydrogen Phosphorus Oxygen

A. +1 +1 –2

B. +1 +5 –2

C. +1 +1 –4

D. +1 +5 –8

2. In which reaction does chromium undergo a change in oxidation

number?

A. Cr2O3 + 3H2SO4 →Cr2(SO4)3 + 3H2O

B. Cr2(SO4)3 + 6NaOH→2Cr(OH)3 + 3Na2SO4

C. K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 + 6HCl→Cr2(SO4)3+K2SO4 + 7H2O + 3C12

D. 2K2CrO4 + H2SO4 -H→K2Cr2O7 + K2SO4 + H2O

3. The oxidation number of chromium is the same in all the following compounds
except

A. Cr(OH)3.

B. Cr2O3.

C. Cr2(SO4)3.

D. CrO3.

4. What happens to the Cr3+ (aq) ion when it is converted to CrO42- (aq) ?

A. Its oxidation number decreases and it undergoes reduction.

B. Its oxidation number decreases and it undergoes oxidation.

C. Its oxidation number increases and it undergoes reduction

D. Its oxidation number increases and it undergoes oxidation.

5.

6.

7.

8.
 9.

10.

–
11. What happens to iodine when iodate ions, IO3 , are converted to iodine molecules, I2?

A It undergoes reduction and its oxidation number changes from –1 to 0

B It undergoes oxidation and its oxidation number changes from –1 to 0

C It undergoes reduction and its oxidation number changes from +5 to 0

D It undergoes oxidation and its oxidation number changes from +5 to 0

12. Two reactions occurring in the manufacture of bromine from sea water are

(i) Explain, by reference to electrons, why reaction I is referred to as a redox reaction.

[3]
Cl2 gains e- and Br- loses e-
Cl2 reduced
Br- oxidised

(ii) State and explain whether SO2 is reduced or oxidized in reaction II by referring to the
oxidation numbers of sulfur in this reaction. [2]
Sulfur ox no changes from +4 to +6 Increase in ox no = oxidised.
 13.

+2

+3

+2

14. Hydrogen peroxide, H2O2 (aq), releases oxygen gas, O2 (g), as it decomposes according to
the equation below.

2H2O2 (aq) →2H2O (l) O2 (g)

The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to form water and oxygen is a redox reaction.

(i) Deduce the oxidation numbers of oxygen present in each of the species in the equation.
H2O2... ox state of ) = -1....... in O2 ...ox state = 0........ in H2O ox state = -2
(2)

(ii) State two half-equations for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. (2)
Red...... H2O2 + 2e- + 2H+  2H2O

Ox..... H2O2  O2 + 2e- + 2H+

15. Nitrogen monoxide may be removed from industrial emissions via a reaction with ammonia
as shown by the equation below.

4NH3(g)+6NO(g)→5N2(g)+ 6H2O(l)

(i) Deduce the oxidation number of the nitrogen in the reactants and product. (3)
NH3 = -3 NO = +2 N2 = 0

Deduce the oxidation and reduction half-equations and identify the oxidizing agentfor the
reaction. (3)
Ox.... 4NH3  2N2 + 12 e- + 12H+

Red..... 6NO + 12 e- + 12 H+  3N2 + 6H2O

9.2 Oxidising and Reducing Agents SL/HL
1. Consider the following reaction.
H2SO3 (aq) + Sn4+ (aq) + H2O (1) → Sn2+(aq)+HSO4- (aq)+3H+ (aq) Which
statement is correct?

A. H2SO3 is the reducing agent because it undergoes reduction.

B. H2SO3 is the reducing agent because it undergoes oxidation.

C. Sn4+ is the oxidizing agent because it undergoes oxidation

D. Sn4+ is the reducing agent because it undergoes oxidation.

2.

3.

4. For which conversion is an oxidising agent required?

A. Cl-(aq) → OCl-(aq)

B. SO3(g) → SO42-(aq)

C. 2H+(aq) → H2(g)

D. S4O62-(aq) → 2S2O32-(aq)
5. (a) In terms of electron transfer define:

(i) oxidation Ox = loss of e-

Ox agent = e- acceptor/gains e-
(ii) oxidizing agent [2]

(b) Analyse what happens to chromium in the following two changes, giving your reasons.

(i) Cr2O72~ + 14H+ + 6e- 2 Cr3+ + 7H2O

(ii) 2CrO42- + 2H+ Cr2O72- + H2O [4]

i) reduction Cr ox no decreases from +6 to +3

ii) No change Cr ox no remains at +6

6.

Pb = 0
PbO2 = +4
PbSO4 = +2

Ox....Pb = Pb2+ + 2e- (at anode)

Red.... PbO2 + 2e- + 4H+ = Pb2+ + 2H2O (at cathode)

PbO2 is the ox agent... Pb is the red agent

Electrons flow from the anode to cathode (from Pb to PbO2)

7. In the removal of arsenic from contaminated groundwater, H3AsO3 is often first oxidized
to arsenic acid, H3AsO4.

The following unbalanced redox reaction shows another method of forming H3AsO4.

−
As2O3 (s) + NO3 (aq) → H3AsO4 (aq) + N2O3 (aq)

Deduce the balanced redox equation in acid, and then identify both the oxidizingand reducing
agents. (3)
As2O3 + 2 NO3- + 2H+ + 2 H2O  N2O3 + 2 H3AsO4

As2O3 is the reducing agent

NO3 is the oxidising agent

8.

0 to +2

+5 to +4

HNO3...as nitrogen is reduced.

Extension:
9. An acidified solution of potassium dichromate is often used as an oxidizing agent in
organic chemistry. During the oxidation reaction of ethanol to ethanal the dichromate ion is
reduced to chromium(III) ions according to the following unbalanced half-equation.
2−  − 3
Cr2O7 (aq)H (aq)e →Cr (aq)H2O(l)

(a) Describe the colour change that will be observed in the reaction. Orange to dirty green (1)

2– +6
(b) Deduce the oxidation number of chromium in Cr2O7 . (1)

(c) State the balanced half-equation for the reduction of dichromate ions to chromium(III)
ions. (1)
Cr O 2- + 14H+ + 6e- = 2 Cr 3+ + 7H O
2 7 2

(d) Deduce the half-equation for the oxidation of ethanol to ethanal and hence the overall
redox equation for the oxidation of ethanol to ethanal by acidified dichromate ions. (3)
C2H5OH  C2H4O + 2e- + 2H+... (multiply by 3)

3 C2H5OH + Cr2O7 2- + 8 H+  2 Cr 3+ + 7H2O + 3 C2H4O

9.3 Reactivity and Feasibility in Redox Reactions.
SL/HL
1. Magnesium is a more reactive metal than copper. Which is the strongest oxidizing agent?

A. Mg

B. Mg2+

C. Cu

D. Cu2+

2. 2AgNO3 (aq) + Zn(s) → 2Ag(s) + Zn(NO3)2(aq)

Zn(NO3)2(aq) + Co(s) → No reaction
2AgNO3 (aq) + Co(s) → Co(NO3 )2 (aq) + 2Ag(s)
Using the above information, the order of increasing activity of the metals is

A. Ag < Zn < Co

B. Co < Ag < Zn

C. Co < Zn < Ag

D. Ag<Co<Zn

3. Which one of the following could reduce Cr2O72-(aq) to Cr3+(aq)?

A. Ca2+(aq)

B. Cu2+(aq)
The only one that can donate electrons and move to a higher oxidation
C. Fe2+(aq) state…Fe3+

D. Zn2+(aq)

4. What will happen when zinc powder is added to an aqueous solution of magnesium
chloride?

A No reaction will take place.

B Chlorine gas will be produced.

C Magnesium metal will form.

D Zinc chloride will form.

5.

6.

7.

8.
9.

Cu + 2 Ag+ = Cu2+ + 2 Ag
Pb + 2 Ag+ = Pb2+ + 2 Ag
Pb + Cu2+ = Pb 2+ + Cu

Strongest reducing agent = Pb, Cu , weakest = Ag

Strongest reducing agent has greatest ability to donate electrons and so can displace a weaker reducing
agent., hence Pb displaces both Cu and Ag. Cu is stronger than Ag as can displace it.

10.

Oxidation = loss of electrons

Br- ions are oxidised
 Reactants...... Ti = + 4 Cl2 = 0 C=0
Products ...... Ti = +4 Cl = -1 C = +4

11. In the two experiments below, predict whether a reaction would occur and deducean
equation for any reaction that takes place. Refer to the Data Bookletif necessary.
TiO2+ (aq) + 2H+ (aq) + e− Ti3+ (aq) + H O(l) E = −0.06V
3+ No reaction (E = -0.,48V)
KI (aq) is added to a solution containing Ti (aq) ions:
Reaction (E = +0.70V)
2+ +
Zn (s) is added to a solution containing TiO (aq) and H (aq) ions:
Zn + 2TiO2+ (aq) + 4H+ (aq) 2Ti3+ (aq) +2H2O(l) + Zn2+
(3)

12.

i) From reaction 1...W is more reactive than Z...as it displaces it

From reaction 2....X is less reactive than Y as it can t displace it.
From reaction 3...Z is less reactive than Y as it can t displace it.
From reaction 4... Z is more reactive than X ....as it displaces it..... 3 marks for explanation
Hence.. most reactive is W, Z, Y, X... 1 mark
ii) 2V + 3XO = V O + 3X
Extension: 2 3

13. Use the data booklet to deduce the oxidizing agent that can oxidize chloride ions but not fluoride ions.
State the redox equation for the reaction and determine its cell potential.
MnO4- ions (stronger oxidising agent than Cl but weaker than F) (4)
2 MnO4- + 10Cl- + 16H+ = 5 Cl2 + 8H2O + 2 Mn2+ (2 marks)
No need to work out cell potential (0.15V)
14. Chlorine can be prepared in the laboratory by reacting chloride ions with an
acidified solution of manganate(VII) (permanganate) ions. The unbalanced equation
for the reaction is:
Cl- (aq) + MnO4- (aq) + H+ (aq) → Mn2+ (aq) + C12 (g) + H2O(1)

(a) Give the oxidation numbers of chlorine and manganese in the reactants and
products. Write the balanced equation and identify the reducing agent in the reaction.
MnO4- = +7 Mn2+ = +2 Cl- = -1 Cl2 = 0
Equation as above......
Reducing agent is Cl- [5]

b) Redox equations may be balanced using changes in oxidation number. For the
following redox equation calculate the oxidation number of manganese and carbon.
Use these values to balance the equation.

MnO4-(aq) + C2O42-(aq)+H+(aq) → Mn2+(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)

MnO4- = +7 Mn2+ = +2 C2O42- = +3 CO2 = +4
[4] 2MnO -(aq) + 5C O 2-(aq)+16H+(aq) → 2Mn2+(aq) + 10CO2(g) + 8H2O(l)
4 2 4

9.4 Biological Oxygen Demand

SL/HL
1. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) can be used to measure the amount of pollution in
river water. Outline what is meant by BOD.
(2)

2. Describe how eutrophication and thermal pollution decrease the concentration of dissolved
oxygen in water. State one change in an aquatic ecosystem caused by these processes.
(3)

3. In a certain lake, anaerobic conditions exist due to the presence of 10 ppm by mass (0.010
–3
g dm ) of organic matter. Determine the mass of oxygen required to oxidize the organic
3
matter in 1 dm of water. Assume that the aerobic decomposition process can be represented
by the following equation.

C6H10O5 +6O2 →6CO2 +5H2O

(2)
4. The graph below shows the level of dissolved oxygen measured in the same location in a
stream over a period of 24 days. The dashed line represents the concentration of substance
X in the stream, which was introduced after 4 days.

(a) Outline why the concentration of dissolved oxygen falls between days 4 and 9. (1)

(b) Describe why the concentration of dissolved oxygen changes between days 12 and 18. (2)

(c) Identify the days during which the population of anaerobic bacteria will be highest (1)

(d) A student did an experiment using digital probes to measure the effect of temperature on
the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the stream. Sketch a graph of her expected
results below.
(1)

9.5 Voltaic Cells SL/HL

1. A voltaic cell is made from magnesium and iron half-cells. Magnesium is a more
reactive metal than iron. Which statement is correct when the cell produces electricity?

A. Electrons are lost from magnesium atoms.

B. The concentration of Fe2ions increases.

C. Electrons flow from the iron half-cell to the magnesium half-cell.

D. Negative ions flow through the salt bridge from the magnesium half-cell to the
iron

2.
3.

4. A voltaic cell is made by connecting zinc and lead half-cells. The overall equation for the
reaction occurring in the cell is shown below.

2+ 2+
Zn (s) + Pb (aq) → Pb (s) + Zn (aq)

Which statements are correct when the cell produces electricity?

I The zinc is oxidized.

II Electrons move from zinc to lead in the external circuit.
III The mass of the lead electrode increases.
A I and II only
B I and III only
C II and III only
 D I, II and III

5. (a) Define a reducing agent in terms of electrons.

e- donor/loses e- [1]

(b)

Al is the anode (as it

loses electrons and is
oxidised)

Ni is the cathode.

Electrons flow from the

Al to the Ni.

Negative ions (anions)

flow through the salt
bridge to the Al electrode
(to cancel out the Al3+).
Positive ions (cations)
flow towards the Ni.

(c) Write the balanced equation for the spontaneous reaction in the above cell. [2]

6. Draw a cell diagram for the cell formed by connecting the following standard
half-cells:

Ni(s) / Ni2+ (aq) II Cd2+ (aq) / Cd(s)

Salt bridge [3]

Voltmeter
Metal electrodes dipping into their own solution of salt.

(b)Write an equation for the reaction in each half-cell, identify the species which is
 oxidised and the oxidising agent.
[4]
Ni (s)  Ni (aq) + 2e-
2+
Ni is reducing agent and is oxidised

Cd2+ (aq) +2e-  Cd Cd2+ = oxidising agent

(c) On the diagram of this cell drawn in (b) (i), label the anode (A), and show, with an
arrow, the direction of electron flow in the external circuit.
[2]
E – flow from Ni to Cd
Anode = Nickel

7. Iron is more reactive than copper.

2+
(i) Draw a labeled diagram of a voltaic cell made from an Fe(s) / Fe (aq) half-cell
2+
connected to a Cu(s) / Cu (aq) half-cell. In your diagram identify the positive electrode
(cathode), the negative electrode (anode) and the direction of electronflow in the external
circuit.
Salt bridge and Voltmeter (4)
Metal electrodes dipping into their own solution of salt.

Anode is Fe.... Cathode is Cu

Electrons flow from Fe to Cu

Deduce the half-equations for the reactions taking place at the positive electrode
(cathode) and negative electrode (anode) of this voltaic cell.
Anode = ox [2]
Fe  Fe2+
+2e-
Cathode = red Cu2+ + 2e-  Cu

Deduce the overall equation for the reaction taking place in the voltaic celland determine
which species acts as the oxidizing agent and which species hasbeen reduced.
(2)
Fe + Cu 2+
 2+
Fe + 2e-

Cu2+ acts as ox agent..... Cu2+ is reduced to Cu

9.6 Electrolytic Cells SL/HL
1. Which product is formed at the cathode (negative electrode) when molten MgCl2 is electrolysed?

A. Mg2+

B. Cl -

C. Mg

D. Cl2

2. The substance obtained at the cathode of an electrolytic cell has undergone

A. oxidation by losing electrons.

B. oxidation by gaining electrons.

C. reduction by losing electrons.

D. reduction by gaining electrons.

3. Consider the following statements regarding electrolysis of molten lead(II) bromide.

I. Oxidation takes place at the anode where lead ions gain electrons.
II Reduction takes place at the cathode where lead ions gain electrons.
III Oxidation takes place at the anode where bromide ions lose electrons.
IV Reduction takes place at the cathode where bromide ions lose electrons.

Which of the above statements are correct?

A. I and II only

B. I and IV only

C. II and III only

D. II and IV only

4. During the electrolysis of a molten salt, which statement is not correct?

A. The ions only move when a current flows

B. Positive ions are attracted to the negative electrode

C Positive ions gain electrons at the negative electrode

D. Negative ions lose electrons at the positive electrode

5. Which processes occur during the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride?
I. Sodium and chloride ions move through the electrolyte.
II. Electrons move through the external circuit.
III. Oxidation takes place at the positive electrode (anode).

A. I and II only

B. I and III only

C. II and III only

D. I,II and III

6.

7. What happens at the positive electrode in a voltaic cell and in an electrolytic cell?

Voltaic cell Electrolytic cell

A Reduction Oxidation

B Oxidation Reduction

C Oxidation Oxidation

D Reduction Reduction

8.
9.

Voltaic cell is spontaneous, electrolytic is non spontaneous. Or voltaic cell converts chemical energy to electrical,
electrolytic is vice versa. Or Electrolytic cell the cathode is – and the anode is +, voltaic cell is vice versa Or
Voltaic cell has a salt bride, and 2 separate solutions, electrolytic has no salt bridge.

(b) Write balanced half-equations, with state symbols, for the reaction at each electrode
when

molten lead(II) chloride is electrolysed. 2Cl-(l)  Cl2 (g) + 2e-

[2]

Anode (positive electrode):

Pb2+(l) + 2e-  Pb(s)
Cathode (negative electrode):

(c)

Solid = ions not mobile/fixed positions molten= ions can move

Na+(l) + e-  Na (s) reduction

Cl-(l)  ½ Cl2(g) + e- oxidation
Overall : NaCl (l)  Na(s) + ½ Cl2 (g)

(d) Describe, using a diagram, the essential components of this electrolytic cell.
[3]
Power pack/battery
Electrodes dipping into molten sodium chloride in crucible under a Bunsen
Electrodes properly labelled using battery terminals (cathode is negative, anode is positive)

(e) State one example that shows the economic importance of electrolysis.
(1)
Electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide to produce aluminium
Electrolysis of aqueous NaCl (brine) to produce Na, Cl2 and NaOH.
19.1 Standard Electrode Potentials. HL ONLY
1. From the following Standard Electrode Potentials, which one of the reactions below
will be spontaneous?
Eθ/V
Fe +e → Fe
3+ - 2+
+0.77
I2 + 2e- → 2I- +0.55
Sn4+ + 2e- → Sn2+ +0.15

A. 2Fe3+ + I2 → 2Fe2+ + 2I-

B. 2Fe2+ + I2 → 2Fe3+ + 2I--
C. Sn2+ + 2Fe3+ → Sn4+ + 2Fe2+
D. Sn4+ + 2I-→ Sn2+ + I2

2. Consider the following reactions.

Cu2+(aq) + 2e- ↔Cu(s) Eθ = +0.34V
Mg2+(aq) + 2e--↔ Mg(s) Eθ =-2.36 V
Zn2+(aq) + 2e-↔ Zn(s) Eθ = -0.76 V.
Which statement is correct?

A. Cu2+(aq) will oxidize both Mg(s) and Zn(s).

B. Zn (s) will reduce both Cu2+ (aq) and Mg2+ (aq).

C. Mg2+ (aq) will oxidize both Cu (s) and Zn (s).

D. Cu (s) will reduce both Mg2+ (aq) and Zn2+ (aq).

3. The standard electrode potentials for two half-cells involving iron are given below.

Fe2+(aq)+2e- → Fe(s) Eθ = -0.44 V

Fe3+(aq) + e- → Fe2+(aq) Eθ = +0.77 V

What is the equation and the cell potential for the spontaneous reaction that occurs when the
two half-cells are connected?

A. 3Fe2+(aq) → Fe(s) + 2Fe3+(aq) Eθ = +1.21 V

B. Fe2+(aq) + Fe3+(aq) → 2Fe(s) Eθ =+0.33V

C. Fe(s) + 2Fe3+(aq) → 3Fe2+(aq) Eθ = +0.33 V

D. Fe(s) + 2Fe3+(aq) → 3Fe2+(aq) Eθ =+1.21V

4. Consider the standard electrode potentials of the following reactions.

Cr3+(aq)+ 3e -→ Cr(s) -0.75 V

Cd2+(aq)+2e-→ Cd(s) -0.40 V

What is the value of the cell potential (in V) for the following reaction?

2Cr (s)+3Cd2+ (aq) → 2Cr3+ (aq)+3Cd(s)

A. - 0.35

B. -1.15

C. +0.30

D. +0.35

5.

6. Which factor does not affect the value of the standard electrode potential of a half-cell?

A. The surface area of the electrode

B. The concentration of the solution

C. The temperature of the solution

D. The material of the electrode

 7. Which combination of signs for Eθ and ΔGθ correspond to a spontaneous electrochemical
reaction?

Eθ ΔGθ
A + +
B + -
C - -
D - +

8.

9. What are the features of a standard hydrogen electrode?

I A temperature of 298 K
II A carbon electrode
5
III Hydrogen gas at 1.01×10 Pa (1 atm) pressure

A I and II only
B I and III only
C II and III only
D I, II and III

10. Consider the following two standard electrode potentials at 298 K.

 2+ −
Sn (aq)+2e →Sn(s) E =−0.14V
3+ − 2+
Fe (aq)+e →Fe (aq) E =+0.77V
What is the equation and cell potential for the spontaneous reaction that occurs?
2+ 2+ 3+
A 2Fe (aq)+Sn (aq)→2Fe (aq)+Sn(s) E =−0.91V
3+ 2+ 2+
B 2Fe (aq)+Sn(s)→2Fe (aq)+Sn (aq) E=+0.91V
2+ 2+ 3+
C 2Fe (aq)+Sn (aq)→2Fe (aq)+Sn(s) E =+0.91V
3+ 2+ 2+
D 2Fe (aq)+Sn(s)→2Fe (aq)+Sn (aq) E =+1.68V

11. Consider the following standard electrode potential values:

3+ − 2+
Fe (aq)+e → Fe (aq) E =+0.77V
− + − 2+
MnO4 (aq)+8H (aq)+5e → Mn (aq)+4H2O(l) E =+1.51V
What is the cell potential, in V, for this reaction?
− + 2+ 2+ 3+
MnO4 (aq) + 8H (aq) + 5Fe (aq) → Mn (aq) + 4H2O (l) + 5Fe (aq)

A –2.28

B – 0.74

C + 0.74

D +2.28

12. The standard electrode potentials of three elements are as follows:

X +1.09 V

Y +0.54 V

Z +1.36 V

Which statement is correct?

A. Z will oxidise Y- (aq) and X-(aq)

B. Y will oxidise X- (aq) and Z- (aq)

C. X will oxidise Y- (aq) and Z- (aq)

D. Z will oxidise Y- (aq) but not X- (aq)

13. A half-cell (A) is set up by placing a platinum electrode in a solution containing both Fe 2+ and Fe3+ ions at a
concentration of 1 mol dm-3. This half-cell is then connected by means of a salt bridge to another half-cell
(B) containing an iron electrode in a 1 mol dm-3 solution of Fe2+ ions.

(a) State the function of the salt bridge. Complete the circuit [1]

(b) The two electrodes are connected externally.

(i) Use the Data Booklet to determine the cell standard electrode potential. [2]
+ 0.44V +0.77V = + 1.21V

(ii) Give the redox reactions that occur in each half-cell. [2]
Fe3+ + e-  Fe2+
A:
B: Fe  Fe2+ + 2e-

(iii) State the direction of the electron flow in the external circuit. [1]
From B to A
14.
Extension
15.

Minus sign means that Fe is a better reducing agent than hydrogen

ii) - 0.28 V
iii) Cobalt ions (Co2+)
iv)

v)
16. An electrochemical cell is constructed from two half-cells connected by a high-resistance
voltmeter. One half-cell contains nickel in a solution of nickel nitrate, and the other contains silver in
silver nitrate solution.

(i) State the conditions which must apply to the solutions for the measurements made to be
described as standard. [2]

(ii) Outline how the two half-cells must be connected before any voltage readings can
be made. [2]

(iii) Assuming that standard conditions apply, calculate the cell potential using information
from the Data Booklet. Write the shorthand notation for the cell, including state
symbols, and give the equation for the reaction occurring in the cell. [4]
(i) 298K
Conc of solutions = 1 mol dm-3
(ii) Via a salt bridge
Filter paper soaked in salt (KNO3) which dips into the Ni2+ and Ag+ solutions
(iii) Ni(s)/Ni2+(aq)//Ag+(aq)/Ag(s)
Ni + 2Ag+  Ni2+ + 2Ag
E = +1.06V

19.2 Electrolysis HL ONLY

1.

2.

3.
4.

5.
6. Answer = D

7. Aqueous solutions containing different concentrations of NaCl were electrolysed using

platinum electrodes. What is the major product at the positive electrode in each case?
0.001 mol dm-3 NaCl (aq) 1.0mol dm-3 NaCl(aq)
H2 Na
A

B H2 H2

C O2 Cl2

D
Cl2 O2

8. An aqueous solution of a metal salt is electrolysed. Which factor will have no effect on the mass
of the metal deposited on the negative electrode (cathode), if all other variables remain constant?

A Size of metal ion

B Relative atomic mass of metal

C Current

D Charge on metal ion

9. Which statement is correct for electroplating an object with gold?

A The object must be the negative electrode (cathode).

B The negative electrode (cathode) must be gold.

C The object must be the positive electrode (anode).

D The gold electrode must be pure.

11. (a) An aqueous solution of silver nitrate is electrolysed. Predict the product formed at each
electrode. [2]
Cathode = Ag Anode = O2

(b) In an experiment involving the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride, 0.1 mol of chlorine
was formed. Deduce, giving a reason, the amount of sodium formed at the same time.
0.2 moles 1 mole e- = ½ mole Cl2 and 1 mole Na
[2]
(c) In another experiment involving the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride, the time of the
electrolysis was halved and the current increased from 1 amp to 5 amp, compared to the
experiment in (b). Deduce the amount of chlorine formed, showing your working.
Q = It [4]
= 5 x ½ = 2.5 times more charge (Q)
moles of Cl2 = 2.5 x 0.1 = 0.25 moles
(d) A membrane cell is used to electrolyse aqueous sodium chloride. Hydrogen and sodium
hydroxide are produced according to the following equation:

2H2O(1) + 2e- → H2 (g) + 2OH- (aq)

A current of 20 A is passed through the solution for 5 hours. Calculate the number of moles
of OH- produced, and the mass of sodium hydroxide formed. [4]
Q = It = 20 x 5 x 60 x 60 Moles of e- = 360 000 / 96500 = 3.73
1 mole of e- = 1 mole of OH- mole of OH- = 3.73 Mass of OH- = nxMr = 149g

(e) Chromium is deposited from an acidic solution containing the dichromate(VI) ion,
according to the equation

Cr2O72-(aq) + 14H+(aq) + 12e- → 2Cr(s) + 7H2O(l)

How many moles of Cr(s) can be deposited by a current of 8.00 A flowing for 2.00 hours? [4]

Q = It = 8 x 2 x 60 x 60 = 57 600
Moles of e- = 57 600 / 96500 = 0.597
12 moles of e- = 2 moles of Cr 6 moles of e- = 1 moles of Cr
Moles of Cr = 1/6 x 0.597 = 0.0994

12. The electrolysis of aqueous copper(II) sulfate is an example of an electrolysis process where the
nature of the electrodes can determine which products form. Platinum electrodes were used in
process 1 and copper electrodes in process 2.

(a) Draw an annotated diagram of the electrolytic cell in process 1 and identify the direction of
electron flow. (2)

(b) For process 1 (platinum electrodes), state the half-equations occurring at the positive electrode
(anode) and negative electrode (cathode). include state symbolsfor all species. Describe what is
observed at each electrode and comment on any change in the colour and the acidity of the
solution. (7)

(Plus all state symbols correct)

(c) For process 2 (copper electrodes), state the half-equations occurring at the positive electrode
(anode) and negative electrode (cathode). include state symbolsfor all species. Describe what is
observed at each electrode and comment on any change in the colour and the acidity of the
solution. (7)

(Plus all state symbols correct)

13.

ii) Na+, H+,

OH- and Cl-

iii) Hydrogen at the cathode and oxygen at the anode.

iv)

(iii) Explain why sodium is not formed during the electrolysis of aqueous NaCl solution. [1]
Higher/more neg electrode potential so harder to reduce

(iv) In the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride, a current of 5 A is passed for 1 hour.

Calculate the mass of the product formed at the negative electrode. [3]

H2 and O2
2H2O  O2 + 4H+ + 4e-
Water is oxidised instead of fluoride
Since electrode potential of fluoride is more negative (harder to oxidise)
19.3 Extension HL ONLY

1.

2.

3.
4. Metallic tin can be produced by the electrolysis of a molten salt containing Sn2+ ions. Which change(s)
would double the amount of tin produced?

I. Doubling the current passed during electrolysis

II. Doubling the time used for electrolysis HI.
Using Sn4+ ions instead of Sn2+ ions

A. I only

B. II only

C. I and II only

D. I,II and III

5.

Ox agent = MnO4-

Red agent = Sn2+

5 Sn2+ + 2 MnO4- + 16H+ = 5 Sn4+ + 2 Mn2+ + 8H2O

i) The Cr is neither oxidised nor reduced as the ox state remains at +6.

ii) Cl2 has an ox no of zero... one of the Cl is oxidised to Cl+ in HClO
...the other Cl is reduced to Cl- in HCl.
6.
7.

i) Cd strongest reducing agent (+0.4V)

ii) 2 MnO4- + 16H+ + 5Cd = 2 Mn2+ + 8 H2O + 5 Cd2+

iii) Pt electrode
H2 at 1 atmos
Bubbled through H+ (acid) of conc 1 mol dm-3
298K

8.
9. (a)

(b)

10. The following are standard electrode potentials

Half-equation Eθ /V
Zn2+(aq) + 2e- ↔Zn(s) -0.76
Cr3+(aq) + 3e- ↔ Cr(s) -0.74
Fe2+(aq) + 2e- ↔ Fe(s) -0.44
Sn2+(aq) + 2e- ↔ Sn(s) -0.14
Cu2+(aq) + 2e-↔ Cu(s) + 0.34
Fe3+(aq) + e-↔ Fe2+(aq) + 0.77
(a) These values
were obtained using a standard hydrogen electrode. Describe the materials and
conditions used in the standard hydrogen electrode. (A suitably labelled diagram is
acceptable.)
(b) Define the term oxidizing agent in terms of electron transfer and identify the strongest
oxidizing agent in the list above. [2]
 (c) A cell was set up using zinc in zinc sulfate solution and copper in copper (II) sulfate
solution, both solutions being under standard conditions.

Calculate the cell potential.

Write an equation for the spontaneous cell reaction [3]

(d) Both zinc and tin are used to coat iron to prevent it from rusting. Once the surface is
scratched, oxygen and water containing dissolved ions come into contact with the iron and the
coating metal.

(i) State and explain whether zinc or tin would be more effective in preventing iron from
rusting under these conditions.

[2]

(ii) Electroplating may be used to coat one metal with another metal. Identify the three
factors affecting the amount of metal discharged during electroplating.

[3]

(iii) Explain why electrolysis of aqueous zinc sulfate is not used for coating with zinc metal.

[2]

2+
11. Draw a labelled diagram of a voltaic cell made from an Mg(s) / Mg (aq) half-cell
2+
connected to an Cu(s) / Cu (aq) half-cell operating under standard conditions.In your diagram
identify the positive electrode (cathode), the negative electrode (anode) and the direction of
electron flow in the external circuit. (5)
Salt bridge
Voltmeter
Metal electrodes dipping into salt solutions
Anode (ox) = Mg
Cathode (red) = Cu
Electrons flow from the Mg to the Cu
(b) Deduce the equation for the chemical reaction occurring when this cell is operating
under standard conditions and calculate the voltage produced by the cell. (d)
Mg + Cu2+  Mg2+ + Cu (2) Another
gas is
E = + 2.71V produced
when
(c) On the diagram above, label with an arrow the direction in which the positive ions MgCl2 is
flow in the salt bridge. (1) at a lower
In the salt bridge, the K+ ions move towards the Copper electrode (to cancel out the charge produced concentrat
by the Cu2+ ions being used up) ion. State
The NO3- ions move towards the Mg electrode (to cancel out the charge caused by the Mg2+ ions being the name
released. of this gas
and
deduce
12. A different chemical change occurs when a saturated aqueous solution of magnesium
the half-
chloride is electrolysed using inert electrodes, S and T, in the circuit below.
equation
for this
reaction.

(2)
O2 produced at lo

H 2O  ½ O 2 + 2

Different gases are produced at the electrodes S and T.

(a) State the half-equations for the reactions at each electrode. (2)
S H2O + e-  ½ H2 + OH- T Cl-  ½ Cl2 + e-

(b) Determine the mole ratio in which the gases are formed. (1)
1 mole of H2 to 1 mole of Cl2
(c) Suggest how the experimental conditions could be changed to produce the gases at a
higher rate. Increase the current (1)