Electrochemical Cells – Questions

Q1.
Fuel cells are an increasingly important energy source for vehicles. Standard electrode
potentials are used in understanding some familiar chemical reactions including those in
fuel cells.

The following table contains some standard electrode potential data.

 
Electrode half-equation EƟ / V

F2 + 2e− 2F− +2.87

Cl2 + 2e− 2Cl− +1.36

O2 + 4H+ + 4e− 2H2O +1.23

Br2 + 2e− 2Br− +1.07

I2 + 2e− 2I− +0.54

O2 + 2H2O + 4e− 4OH− +0.40

SO42− + 4H+ + 2e− SO2 + 2H2O +0.17

2H+ + 2e− H2  0.00

4H2O + 4e− 4OH− + 2H2 −0.83

(a)     A salt bridge was used in a cell to measure electrode potential.

Explain the function of the salt bridge.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(b)     Use data from the table above to deduce the halide ion that is the weakest reducing
agent.

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(c)     Use data from the table to justify why sulfate ions should not be capable of oxidising
bromide ions.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(d)     Use data from the table to calculate a value for the EMF of a hydrogen–oxygen fuel
cell operating under alkaline conditions.

EMF = _______________ V
(1)

(e)     There are two ways to use hydrogen as a fuel for cars. One way is in a fuel cell to
power an electric motor, the other is as a fuel in an internal combustion engine.

Suggest the major advantage of using the fuel cell.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 6 marks)

Q2.
The table shows some electrode half-equations and the associated standard electrode
potentials.
 

Equation Electrode half-equation Eϴ / V

number

1 Cd(OH)2(s)  +  2e–    Cd(s)  +  2OH–(aq) –0.88

2 Zn2+(aq)  +  2e–    Zn(s) –0.76

3 NiO(OH)(s)   + H2O(I) + e–    Ni(OH)2(s) + OH–(aq) +0.52

4 MnO2(s)   + H2O(I) + e–    MnO(OH)(s) + OH–(aq) +0.74

5 O2(g)   + 4H+(aq) +4e–    2H2O(I) +1.23

(a)     In terms of electrons, state the meaning of the term oxidising agent.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(b)     Deduce the identity of the weakest oxidising agent in the table.
 Explain how Eϴ values can be used to make this deduction.

Weakest oxidising agent _______________________________________________

Explanation _________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(c)     The diagram shows a non-rechargeable cell that can be used to power electronic
devices. The relevant half-equations for this cell are equations 2 and 4 in the table
above.

(i)      Calculate the e.m.f. of this cell.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(ii)     Write an equation for the overall reaction that occurs when the cell discharges.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(iii)     Deduce one essential property of the non-reactive porous separator labelled
in the diagram.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(iv)     Suggest the function of the carbon rod in the cell.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1)
 (v)     The zinc electrode acts as a container for the cell and is protected from
external damage. Suggest why a cell often leaks after being used for a long
time.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(d)      A rechargeable nickel–cadmium cell is an alternative to the cell shown in part (c).
The relevant half-equations for this cell are equations 1 and 3 in the table above.

(i)      Deduce the oxidation state of the nickel in this cell after recharging is
complete.
Write an equation for the overall reaction that occurs when the cell is
recharged.

Oxidation state _________________________________________________

Equation ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(3)

(ii)     State one environmental advantage of this rechargeable cell compared with

the non-rechargeable cell described in part (c).

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(e)     An ethanol–oxygen fuel cell may be an alternative to a hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell.
When the cell operates, all of the carbon atoms in the ethanol molecules are
converted into carbon dioxide.

(i)      Deduce the equation for the overall reaction that occurs in the ethanol–oxygen
fuel cell.

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(ii)     Deduce a half-equation for the reaction at the ethanol electrode.

In this half-equation, ethanol reacts with water to form carbon dioxide and
hydrogen ions.

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(iii)     The e.m.f. of an ethanol–oxygen fuel cell is 1.00 V. Use data from the table
above to calculate a value for the electrode potential of the ethanol electrode.

______________________________________________________________
 ______________________________________________________________
(1)

(iv)     Suggest why ethanol can be considered to be a carbon-neutral fuel.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 17 marks)

Q3.
An electrochemical cell is shown in the diagram. In this cell, the amount of copper in the
electrodes is much greater than the amount of copper ions in the copper sulfate solutions.

(a)     Explain how the salt bridge D provides an electrical connection between the two
electrodes.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(b)     Suggest why potassium chloride would not be a suitable salt for the salt bridge in
this cell.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(c)     In the external circuit of this cell, the electrons flow through the ammeter from right
to left.

Suggest why the electrons move in this direction.

 ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(d)     Explain why the current in the external circuit of this cell falls to zero after the cell
has operated for some time.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(e)     The simplified electrode reactions in a rechargeable lithium cell are

Electrode A    Li+ + MnO2 + e−   LiMnO2     E = −0.15 V

Electrode B    Li+ + e−  Li

Electrode B    is the negative electrode.

(i)      The e.m.f. of this cell is 2.90 V.

Use this information to calculate a value for the electrode potential of electrode
B.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(ii)     Write an equation for the overall reaction that occurs when this lithium cell is
being recharged.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)

(iii)    Suggest why the recharging of a lithium cell may lead to release of carbon
dioxide into the atmosphere.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 9 marks)

Q4.
Redox reactions occur in the discharge of all electrochemical cells. Some of these cells
are of commercial value.
The table below shows some redox half-equations and standard electrode potentials.
 
Half-equation Eο/ V

Zn2+(aq) + 2e– → Zn(s) –0.76

Ag2O(s) + 2H+(aq) + 2e– → 2Ag(s) + H O(I)

2
+0.34

O2(g) + 4H+(aq) + 4e– → 2H O(I)

2
+1.23

F2(g) + 2e– → 2F (aq)

– +2.87

(a)     In terms of electrons, state what happens to a reducing agent in a redox reaction.

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(b)     Use the table above to identify the strongest reducing agent from the species in the
table.

Explain how you deduced your answer.

Strongest reducing agent ______________________________________________

Explanation _________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(c)     Use data from the table to explain why fluorine reacts with water.

Write an equation for the reaction that occurs.

Explanation _________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Equation ___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)

(d)     An electrochemical cell can be constructed using a zinc electrode and an electrode
in which silver is in contact with silver oxide. This cell can be used to power
electronic devices.

(i)      Give the conventional representation for this cell.

______________________________________________________________
(2)

(ii)     Calculate the e.m.f. of the cell.

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(iii)     Suggest one reason why the cell cannot be electrically recharged.
 ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(e)     The electrode half-equations in a lead–acid cell are shown in the table below.
 
Half-equation Eο/ V

PbO2(s) + 3H+(aq) + HSO4–(aq) + 2e– → PbSO (s) + 2H O(I)

4 2
+1.69

PbSO4(s) + H+(aq) + 2e– → Pb(s) + HSO 4

–
(aq)
to be
calculated

(i)      The PbO2/PbSO4 electrode is the positive terminal of the cell and the e.m.f. of
the cell is 2.15 V.

Use this information to calculate the missing electrode potential for the half-
equation shown in the table.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(ii)     A lead–acid cell can be recharged.

Write an equation for the overall reaction that occurs when the cell is being
recharged.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)

(f)      The diagrams below show how the e.m.f. of each of two cells changes with time
when each cell is used to provide an electric current.

(i)      Give one reason why the e.m.f. of the lead–acid cell changes after several
hours.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
 (1)

(ii)     Identify the type of cell that behaves like cell X.

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(iii)     Explain why the voltage remains constant in cell X.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(Extra space) ___________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 17 marks)

Q5.
Copper, in the form of nanoparticles of copper(II) hexacyanoferrate(II), has recently been
investigated as an efficient method of storing electrical energy in a rechargeable cell.

(a)     Solar cells generate an electric current from sunlight. These cells are often used to
provide electrical energy for illuminated road signs.

Explain why rechargeable cells are connected to these solar cells.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(b)     Suggest one reason why many waste disposal centres contain a separate section
for cells and batteries.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 3 marks)

Q6.
This table shows some standard electrode potential data.
 
Electrode half-equation Eϴ / V

Au+(aq) + e−  Au(s) +1.68

 +1.23
O2(g) + 2H+(aq) + 2e−  H2O(l)

Ag+(aq) + e−  Ag(s) +0.80

Fe3+(aq) + e−  Fe2+(aq) +0.77

Cu2+(aq) + 2e−  Cu(s) +0.34

Fe2+(aq) + 2e−  Fe(s) −0.44

(a)     Draw a labelled diagram of the apparatus that could be connected to a standard
hydrogen electrode in order to measure the standard electrode potential of the Fe3+ /
Fe2+ electrode.

In your diagram, show how this electrode is connected to the standard hydrogen
electrode and to a voltmeter. Do not draw the standard hydrogen electrode.

State the conditions under which this cell should be operated in order to measure
the standard electrode potential.

Conditions __________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(5)

(b)     Use data from the table to deduce the equation for the overall cell reaction of a cell
that has an e.m.f. of 0.78 V.
Give the conventional cell representation for this cell.
Identify the positive electrode.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(4)

(c)     Use data from the table to explain why Au+ ions are not normally found in aqueous
solution.
 Write an equation to show how Au+ ions would react with water.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)

(d)     Use data from the table to predict and explain the redox reactions that occur when
iron powder is added to an excess of aqueous silver nitrate.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 15 marks)

Q7.
A representation of a hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell that operates in alkaline conditions is

Pt|H2|H2O||O2|OH–|Pt

(a)     (i)      Write a half-equation for the reaction that occurs at each electrode.
Use the half-equations to deduce an overall equation for the cell.

Half-equation at positive electrode ______________________________

Half-equation at negative electrode ______________________________

Overall equation _____________________________________________

(3)

(ii)     State and explain the effect, if any, of increasing the pressure of oxygen on the
e.m.f of this cell.

Effect on e.m.f. _________________________________________________

Explanation ____________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)

(b)     Complete the diagram to show how the e.m.f. of a hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell
changes with time.
  
(1)

(c)     (i)      Suggest the effect, if any, on the e.m.f. of this cell if the surface area of each
platinum electrode is increased.

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(ii)     State the main environmental advantage of using a hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell
to power a car.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(d)     Suggest why the use of a hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell might not be carbon-neutral.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 9 marks)

Q8.
Use the standard electrode potential data in the table below to answer the questions
which follow.

                                                                                                        E/ V
_________________________________________________________

                       Ce4+(aq) + e–          Ce3+(aq)                              +1.70

   MnO–(aq) + 8H+(aq)+ 5e–          Mn2+(aq) + 4H2O(l)               +1.51
                         Cl2(g) + 2e     
–
     2Cl–(aq)                               +1.36
       VO2+(aq) +2H+(aq) + e–          VO2+(aq) + H2O(l)               +1.00
                       Fe (aq) + e     
3+ –
     Fe2+(aq)                               +0.77
   SO42–(aq) + 4H+(aq) + 2e–          H2SO3(aq) + H2O(l)            +0.17
_________________________________________________________

(a)     Name the standard reference electrode against which all other electrode potentials
are measured.
 ___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(b)     When the standard electrode potential for Fe3+(aq) / Fe2+(aq) is measured, a
platinum electrode is required.

(i)      What is the function of the platinum electrode?

______________________________________________________________

(ii)     What are the standard conditions which apply to Fe3+(aq)/Fe2+(aq) when
measuring this potential?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(3)

(c)     The cell represented below was set up under standard conditions.

Pt|H2SO3(aq), SO42–(aq)||MnO4–(aq), Mn2+(aq)|Pt

Calculate the e.m.f. of this cell and write an equation for the spontaneous cell
reaction.

Cell e.m.f. __________________________________________________________

Equation __________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)

(d)     (i)      Which one of the species given in the table is the strongest oxidising agent?

______________________________________________________________

(ii)     Which of the species in the table could convert Fe2+(aq) into Fe3+(aq) but could 
not convert Mn2+(aq) into MnO4–(aq)?

______________________________________________________________
(3)

(e)     Use data from the table of standard electrode potentials to deduce the cell which
would have a standard e.m.f. of 0.93 V. Represent this cell using the convention
shown in part (c).

___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 12 marks)

Q9.
Hydrogen–oxygen fuel cells can operate in acidic or in alkaline conditions but commercial
cells use porous platinum electrodes in contact with concentrated aqueous potassium
hydroxide. The table below shows some standard electrode potentials measured in acidic
and in alkaline conditions.
 
 Half-equation Eο /V

  O2(g) + 4H+(aq) + 4e–  →      2H2O(l) +1.23

  O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e–   →      4OH–(aq) +0.40

2H+(aq) + 2e–   →      H2(g) 0.00

2H2O(l) + 2e–   →      2OH–(aq) + H2(g) – 0.83

(a)     State why the electrode potential for the standard hydrogen electrode is equal to
0.00V.

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(b)     Use data from the table to calculate the e.m.f. of a hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell
operating in alkaline conditions.

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(c)     Write the conventional representation for an alkaline hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell.

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(d)     Use the appropriate half-equations to construct an overall equation for the reaction
that occurs when an alkaline hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell operates. Show your
working.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(e)     Give one reason, other than cost, why the platinum electrodes are made by coating
a porous ceramic material with platinum rather than by using platinum rods.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(f)      Suggest why the e.m.f. of a hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell, operating in acidic
conditions, is exactly the same as that of an alkaline fuel cell.

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(g)     Other than its lack of pollution, state briefly the main advantage of a fuel cell over a
re-chargeable cell such as the nickel–cadmium cell when used to provide power for
 an electric motor that propels a vehicle.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(h)     Hydrogen–oxygen fuel cells are sometimes regarded as a source of energy that is
carbon neutral. Give one reason why this may not be true.

___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 10 marks)

Q10.
The electrons transferred in redox reactions can be used by electrochemical cells to
provide energy.

Some electrode half-equations and their standard electrode potentials are shown in the
table below.
 
Half-equation Eο/V

Cr2O72–(aq) + 14H+(aq) + 6e– → 2Cr3+(aq) + 7H2O(l) +1.33

Fe3+(aq) + e– → Fe2+(aq) +0.77

2H+(aq) + 2e– → H2(g) 0.00

Fe2+(aq) + 2e– → Fe(s) –0.44

Li+(aq) + e– → Li(s) –3.04

(a)     Describe a standard hydrogen electrode.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(4)

(b)     A conventional representation of a lithium cell is given below.

This cell has an e.m.f. of +2.91 V

Li(s) | Li+(aq) || Li+(aq) | MnO2(s) , LiMnO2(s) | Pt(s)

Write a half-equation for the reaction that occurs at the positive electrode of this cell.
 Calculate the standard electrode potential of this positive electrode.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(c)     Suggest what reactions occur, if any, when hydrogen gas is bubbled into a solution
containing a mixture of iron(II) and iron(III) ions. Explain your answer.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(d)     A solution of iron(II) sulfate was prepared by dissolving 10.00 g of FeSO4.7H2O

(Mr = 277.9) in water and making up to 250 cm3 of solution. The solution was left to
stand, exposed to air, and some of the iron(II) ions became oxidised to iron(III) ions.
A 25.0 cm3 sample of the partially oxidised solution required 23.70 cm3 of 0.0100
mol dm–3 potassium dichromate(VI) solution for complete reaction in the presence of
an excess of dilute sulfuric acid.

Calculate the percentage of iron(II) ions that had been oxidised by the air.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

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___________________________________________________________________
(6)
 (Total 14 marks)

Q11.
Nickel–cadmium cells are used to power electrical equipment such as drills and shavers.
The electrode reactions are shown below.

                              NiO(OH) + H2O + e–  →  Ni(OH)2 + OH–       Eο = +0.52 V

                                       Cd(OH)2 + 2e–  →  Cd + 2OH–             Eο = –0.88 V

(a)     Calculate the e.m.f. of a nickel–cadmium cell.

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(b)     Deduce an overall equation for the reaction that occurs in the cell when it is used.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(c)     Identify the oxidising agent in the overall cell reaction and give the oxidation state of
the metal in this oxidising agent.

Oxidising agent _____________________________________________________

Oxidation state ______________________________________________________

(2)
(Total 5 marks)

Q12.
An experiment was carried out to measure the e.m.f. of this cell.

Al(s)   Al3+(aq)   H+(aq)   H2(g)   Pt(s)

(a)     The aluminium used as the electrode is rubbed with sandpaper prior to use.

Suggest the reason for this.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(b)     Draw a labelled diagram of a suitable apparatus for the right-hand electrode in this
cell. You do not need to include the salt bridge or the external electrical circuit.

 
  

 
(2)

(c)     A simple salt bridge can be prepared by dipping a piece of filter paper into
potassium carbonate solution. Explain why such a salt bridge would not be suitable
for use in this cell.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 5 marks)

Q13.
The table below shows some standard electrode potential data.
 
  E /V

ZnO(s)  +  H2O(I)  +  2e–    Zn(s)  +  2OH–(aq) –1.25

Fe2+(aq)  +  2e–    Fe(s)                      –0.44

O2(g)  +  2H2O(I)   +  4e–     4OH–(aq)                +0.40

2HOCl(aq)  +  2H+(aq)  +  2e–    Cl2(g)  +  2H2O(I) +1.64

(a)     Give the conventional representation of the cell that is used to measure the
standard electrode potential of iron as shown in the table.

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(b)     With reference to electrons, give the meaning of the term reducing agent.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(c)     Identify the weakest reducing agent from the species in the table.

Explain how you deduced your answer.

Species ____________________________________________________________
 Explanation _________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(d)     When HOCl acts as an oxidising agent, one of the atoms in the molecule is reduced.

(i)      Place a tick (✓) next to the atom that is reduced.

 
Atom that is
Tick (✓)
reduced

 H  

 O  

 Cl  
(1)

(ii)     Explain your answer to part (i) in terms of the change in the oxidation state of
this atom.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(e)     Using the information given in the table, deduce an equation for the redox reaction
that would occur when hydroxide ions are added to HOCl

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(f)      The table is repeated to help you answer this question.
 
  E /V

ZnO(s)  +  H2O(I)  +  2e–    Zn(s)  +  2OH–(aq) –1.25

Fe2+(aq)  +  2e–    Fe(s)                      –0.44

O2(g)     +  2H2O(I)   +  4e–     4OH–(aq)                +0.40

2HOCl(aq)  +  2H+(aq)  +  2e–    Cl2(g)  +  2H2O(I) +1.64

The half-equations from the table that involve zinc and oxygen are simplified
versions of those that occur in hearing aid cells.

A simplified diagram of a hearing aid cell is shown in the following figure.

  

(i)      Use data from the table to calculate the e.m.f. of this cell.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Answer = ________________
(1)

(ii)     Use half-equations from the table to construct an overall equation for the cell
reaction.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(iii)    Identify which of A or B, in the figure, is the positive electrode. Give a reason

for your answer.

Positive electrode _______________________________________________

Reason _______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)

(iv)    Suggest one reason, other than cost, why this type of cell is not
recharged.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 14 marks)
Q14.
(a)     Lithium ion cells are used to power cameras and mobile phones.
A simplified representation of a cell is shown below.

Li | Li+ || Li+, CoO2 | LiCoO2 | Pt

The reagents in the cell are absorbed onto powdered graphite that acts as a support
medium. The support medium allows the ions to react in the absence of a solvent
such as water.

The half-equation for the reaction at the positive electrode can be represented as
follows.

Li+ + CoO2 + e–  Li+[CoO2]–

(i)      Identify the element that undergoes a change in oxidation state at the positive
electrode and deduce these oxidation states of the element.

Element ______________________________________________________

Oxidation state 1 ________________________________________________

Oxidation state 2 ________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(3)

(ii)     Write a half-equation for the reaction at the negative electrode during
operation of the lithium ion cell.

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(iii)     Suggest two properties of platinum that make it suitable for use as an external
electrical contact in the cell.

Property 1 _____________________________________________________

Property 2 _____________________________________________________
(2)

(iv)    Suggest one reason why water is not used as a solvent in this cell.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(b)     The half-equations for two electrodes used to make an electrochemical cell are
shown below.

ClO3–(aq) + 6H+(aq) + 6e–  Cl–(aq) + 3H2O(I)        Eο = +1.45 V

SO42–(aq) + 2H+(aq) + 2e–  SO32–(aq) + H2O(I)       Eο = +0.17 V

(i)      Write the conventional representation for the cell using platinum contacts.

______________________________________________________________
(2)
 (ii)     Write an overall equation for the cell reaction and identify the oxidising and
reducing agents.

Overall equation ________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Oxidising agent _________________________________________________

Reducing agent _________________________________________________

(3)
(Total 12 marks)

Q15.
Hydrogen–oxygen fuel cells are used to provide electrical energy for electric motors in
vehicles.

(a)     In a hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell, a current is generated that can be used to drive an
electric motor.

(i)      Deduce half-equations for the electrode reactions in a hydrogen–oxygen fuel

cell.

Half-equation 1 _________________________________________________

Half-equation 2 _________________________________________________
(2)

(ii)     Use these half-equations to explain how an electric current can be generated.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

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(2)

(b)     Explain why a fuel cell does not need to be recharged.

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(1)

(c)     To provide energy for a vehicle, hydrogen can be used either in a fuel cell or in an
internal combustion engine.

Suggest the main advantage of using hydrogen in a fuel cell rather than in an
internal combustion engine.

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 ___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(d)     Identify one major hazard associated with the use of a hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell in
a vehicle.

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___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 7 marks)