Level 2 – Application Questions

*12 (a) Species present: Br and Fe3+

Since Br can only be oxidised, Fe3+ must be reduced (i.e. LHS of equation)
Br2(aq) + 2e  2Br(aq) +1.07 V ---[O]
Fe (aq) + e  Fe (aq)
3+ – 2+
+0.77 V ---[R]

Ecell = Ered  Eox

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

(b) Species present: V3+ and Cu2+

Since Cu2+ can only be reduced, V3+ must be oxidised (i.e. RHS of equation).
Cu2+(aq) + 2e–  Cu(s) +0.34 V ---[R]
VO2+(aq) + 2H+(aq) + e–  V3+(aq) + H2O(l) +0.34 V ---[O]

Ecell = Ered  Eox

= (+0.34) – (+0.34) = 0.00 V (system is at equilibrium)
Overall : Cu2+(aq) + 2V3+(aq) + 2H2O(l)  Cu(s) + 2VO2+(aq) + 4H+(aq)
Note: If Ecell is greater than 0 V, you should check if the vanadium product
can undergo further redox!

(c) Species present: MnO4–, H+ and Cl– (K+ and Na+ are spectator ions)
MnO4–(aq) + 8H+(aq) + 5e–  Mn2+(aq) + 4H2O(l) +1.52 V---[R] more +ve
Cl2(aq) + 2e–  2Cl –(aq) +1.36 V---[O]
2H+ + 2e–  H2(g) 0.00 V
Ecell = Ered  Eox
= (+1.52) – (+1.36) = +0.16 V > 0 V (energetically feasible)
Overall : 2MnO4–(aq) + 16H+(aq) + 10Br–(aq)  2Mn2+(aq) + 5Br2(aq) + 8H2O(l)
Obsn : Purple KMnO4 decolourises and greenish yellow Cl2(aq) (or
pale yellow Cl2(aq)) formed.

(d) Species present: Fe and S2O32–. (Na+ is spectator ion)

S4O62–(aq) + 2e–  2S2O32–(aq) +0.09 V ---[O]
Fe2+(aq) + 2e–  Fe(s) –0.44 V ---[O]
No reaction since both S2O32– and Fe cannot be oxidised in the absence
of an oxidising agent.

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 6 Topic 9: Galvanic Cells

 (e) Species present: Sn2+(aq), Cl(aq), H+(aq), H2O2(aq)
Sn2+(aq) + 2e  Sn(s) 0.14 V
Sn4+(aq) + 2e  Sn2+(aq) +0.15 V ---[O] most –ve
Cl2(aq) + 2e  2Cl(aq) +1.36 V
2H+(aq) + 2e  H2 0.00 V
H2O2(aq) + 2H+ + 2e  2H2O

+1.77 V ---[R] most +ve
O2 + 2H+ + 2e  H2O2 +0.68 V

Ecell = Ered  Eox

= (+1.77) – (+0.15) = +1.62 V > 0 V (energetically feasible)
Overall : H2O2(aq) + 2H+(aq) + Sn2+(aq)  2H2O(l) + Sn4+(aq)
Obsn : No effervescence and no metal formed.
Note: There two other reactions that are also energetically feasible (i.e. H2O2 with
Cl and H+ with Sn2+). However, we would usually give the one that is the
most energetically feasible as the answer.

*13 (a) (i) anode (or Li) : Li  Li+ + e (use ‘’)

cathode (or Cu) : Cu2O + H2O + 2e  2Cu + 2OH (use ‘’)
(not Cu+ + e  Cu !)
Note:
For half–equation that cannot be obtained from the Data Booklet, read
the information given in the question and apply ‘KOHe’ to form the
half–equation on your own!

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

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

(iii) Temperature of setup is 298 K (or 25 C).

Concentration of aqueous alkaline electrolyte is 1 mol dm3.

(b) Li, which is a Group 1 metal, reacts with water vigorously. Hence, the Li
anode must be immersed in an organic electrolyte.

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 7 Topic 9: Galvanic Cells

*14 (a) (i) Note: Qn stated that “I3 reacts as if it were a solution of I2 in water”.
E(I3/ I) = +0.54 V ---[O] (more –ve)
E(Cl2/Cl) = +1.36 V ---[R] (more +ve)
anode e e cathode
V
(negative) (positive)
Cl2(g), 1 bar,
298 K
salt bridge
1 mol dm3 I3(aq), 1 mol dm3
1 mol dm3 I(aq), Cl(aq), 298 K
298 K
platinised
Pt(s)
Pt(s)

Examiners’ Report:
Despite the question asking for only one electrochemical cell, many
candidates chose to draw two cells, each with a standard hydrogen electrode
on one side. Although most candi
dates could describe the chlorine electrode, few described correctly the
iodine electrode (a Pt electrode dipped in a mixture of 1 mol dm3 I(aq) and
I2(s) or I3(aq)).
Many suggested a solid electrode made of (nonconducting) iodine or
suggested passing I2(g) over a Pt electrode.
Other incorrect answers were the omission of salt bridge or the inclusion of a
battery in the circuit.

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

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

(iii) Cl2(g) + 2I–(aq)  2Cl–(aq) + I2(aq) (use ‘’)

(b) (i) 2Fe3+(aq) + 2I–(aq)  2Fe2+(aq) + I2(aq) (use ‘’)

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

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 8 Topic 9: Galvanic Cells

 (ii) Fe3+ + e–  Fe2+ E = +0.77 V
[Fe(CN)6]3– + e–  [Fe(CN)6]4– E = +0.36 V

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

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

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

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

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

(c) (i) Since the solution changes from green to yellow, it implies that
Fe2+(aq) is oxidised to Fe3+(aq) by Cl2 which is an oxidising agent.

(ii) Species present: Fe2+ and Cl2

Fe3+(aq) + e–  Fe2+(aq) E = +0.77 V ---[O]
Cl2(g) + 2e–  2Cl–(aq) E = +1.36 V ---[R]

Ecell = Ered  Eox

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

(iii) Species present: Fe2+ and I2

Fe3+(aq) + e–  Fe2+(aq) E = +0.77 V ---[O]
I2(aq) + 2e–  2I–(aq) E = +0.54 V ---[R]

Ecell = (+0.54) – (+0.77)

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

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 9 Topic 9: Galvanic Cells

 (d) (i) Consider 100 g of A,
element Cu I
mass /g 33.3 66.7
33.3 66.7
amount /mol  0.524  0.526
63.5 126.9
mole ratio 1 1
The empirical formula of A is CuI.
Examiners’ Report:
There were very few candidates who failed to show that the empirical formula
of A is CuI. The most common error involved the use of proton number rather
than relative atomic mass.

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

(iii) It is the iodine that causes the purple colour in hexane.

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

(iv) 2Cu2+(aq) + 4I–(aq)  2CuI(s) + I2(aq)

Note: “Cu2+(aq) + 3I–(aq)  CuI(s) + I2(aq)” is incorrect as the charges
on both sides of equation are not balanced.
Examiners’ Report:
Even though they knew the identities of the reactants and products, most
candidates struggled with this equation, giving equations that were not
balanced, contained the wrong species or were not ionic. From earlier parts
of the question, candidates had established that a redox reaction occurs
between Cu2+ ions and I ions with the formation of CuI and I2.

(e) (i) Species present: Cu2+ and I2

Cu2+(aq) + e–  Cu+(aq) E = +0.15 V ---[R]
I2(aq) + 2e–  2I–(aq) E = +0.54 V ---[O]

Ecell = (+0.15) – (+0.54)

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

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

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 10 Topic 9: Galvanic Cells

 (ii) Cu2+ + e–  Cu+ ---(1)
Cu+ formed reacts with I to give CuI ppt which reduces [Cu+(aq)].
This causes the position of equilibrium of (1) to shift right, making
E(Cu2+/Cu+) more positive than +0.15 V

I2 + 2e–  2I– ---(2)

When shaken with hexane, some I2 is removed into the hexane
layer and this reduces [I2(aq)]. This causes the position of
equilibrium of (2) to shift left, making E(I2/I–) more negative (or
less positive) than +0.54 V
 Ecell becomes more positive
such that the reaction becomes Ecell  E 
  

Cu2+ /Cu  E I 2 /I 
 
 
energetically feasible and does more positive less positive
occur.
Examiners’ Report:
This was the most poorly answered part of any question but it was meant to
test candidates’ understanding of some difficult concepts. The question states
that the reaction does in fact occur despite the E data. Examiners gave
credit for straightforward explanation such as how the formation of CuI(s),
which is extremely insoluble, will drive the reaction.

*15 (a) (i) cathode : O2 + 4H+ + 4e–  2H2O ---(1)

anode : CH3OH + H2O  CO2 + 6H+ + 6e– ---(2)

(ii) (1)  3 + (2)  2:

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

(iii) From the Data Booklet, E(O2/H2O) = +1.23 V

Ecell = Ered  Eox
+1.18 = (+1.23)  E(CO2/CH3OH)
E(CO2/CH3OH)= +0.05 V (2dp + sign + units!)

(iv) Liquid methanol takes up less storage space /easier to transport

/does not need to be kept under pressure as compared to gaseous
hydrogen.
or
Methanol is much less explosive than hydrogen.
Extension:
Suggest a disadvantage of using the methanol fuel cell compared to
the hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell.

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 11 Topic 9: Galvanic Cells

 (b) (i) 3
CH3OH  l   O2  g   CO2  g   2H2O  l 
2

(ii) Using Gr (in J mol1) = zFEcell and z = 12,

Gr = 12  96500  (+1.18) = 1.37  106 J mol 1
= 1370 kJ mol1 (for 2 mol CH3OH)

Using Gc = Hc TSc ,

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

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

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

(iii) Ethanol would be a better fuel since Hc of ethanol is more

exothermic and would give off more energy per mole of ethanol
burnt than methanol.

2022 JPJC JC1 H2 Chemistry (9729) 12 Topic 9: Galvanic Cells