REDOX REVISION SECTION B

1. The conditions used in an electrolytic cell can determine the products formed.

Draw an electrolytic cell illustrating the electrolysis of molten nickel(II) bromide, NiBr 2.
Include in the diagram the direction of the electron flow, the polarity of electrodes and state the
half-equations for the product formed at each electrode.

Answer.

labelled polarities of positive and negative electrodes;

Electrodes can be labelled positive or negative or + and – signs can be used.
direction of electron flow;
–
e does not have to be labelled but arrow essential.
2+ –
power source and molten electrolyte/Ni (l) and Br (l)/NiBr2(l);
State symbol necessary for M3 unless molten electrolyte stated.
Power source does not need to be labelled if correct symbol used
(i.e. short line and long line).
Cathode/negative electrode equation:
2+ –
Ni + 2e → Ni;
Anode/positive electrode equation:
– –
2Br → Br2 + 2e ; 5
–
Accept balanced half-equation with one e .
Award [1 max] for M4 and M5 if electrodes are not identified or if
equations are given wrong way round or incorrectly labelled.
Penalize once only.
–
Allow e instead of e .
Ignore state symbols for M4 and M5.
[5]

1
2. Deduce the equations for the formation of the major product at the positive electrode (anode)
when the following aqueous solutions are electrolysed.
• dilute sodium chloride
• concentrated sodium chloride

Answer. Dilute sodium chloride:

+ – – –
2H2O → O2 + 4H + 4e / 4OH → O2 + 2H2O + 4e ;
Concentrated sodium chloride:
– –
2Cl → Cl2 + 2e ; 2
Accept alternative balanced half-equations with correct number of electrons.
Award [1 max] if equations are given the wrong way round.
Award [2] if correct equations are written in order with dilute sodium
chloride first and concentrated sodium chloride second but processes
not stated explicitly.
Penalize once only.
–
Allow e instead of e .
Ignore state symbols.

3. A voltaic cell is constructed from two half-cells as illustrated below.

(i) Use Table 14 of the Data Booklet to deduce the equation for the spontaneous reaction
occurring in this cell. (1)

(ii) Calculate the standard potential for this cell.

(1)

(iii) State the conditions necessary for the potential of the cell to equal that calculated in part
(ii) using the data from Table 14.
(1)
2+ 2+
Answer. (i)Sn + Cu → Sn + Cu; 1
Ignore state symbols.
Penalize once only.
(ii) (0.34 – –0.14) = (+) 0.48 V; 1
–3
(iii) 1.0 mol dm solutions and 25 °C/298 K; 1
[3]

2
4. Using the data below and data from Table 14 of the Data Booklet, predict and explain which
metal, cadmium or chromium, may be obtained by electrolysis of separate aqueous solutions of
2+ 2+
Cd (aq) ions and Cr (aq) ions.

O
E /V
2+ – –0.40
Cd (aq) + 2e → Cd(s)
2+ – –0.91
Cr (aq) + 2e → Cr(s)
(Total 2 marks)

2+
Answer.Cd is a stronger oxidizing agent than H2O and will be displaced to
produce Cd / OWTTE;
2+
Cr is a weaker oxidizing agent than H2O and H2 will displace in
preference to Cr / OWTTE;
2+
Award [1 max] for stating Cd stronger oxidizing agent than H2O
2+
and Cr weaker oxidizing agent than H2O / OWTTE.
[2]

5. (i) Electrolysis is used in the electroplating of metals. The same amount of current is passed
through separate aqueous solutions of NiSO4, Sn(SO4)2 and Cr2(SO4)3 in separate
electrolytic cells for the same amount of time. State and explain which cell would deposit
the greatest amount (in mol) of metal. Identify the electrode at which the metal is
deposited.
(3)

(ii) For the Sn(SO4)2 cell, suggest two factors, other than time and current, that would affect
the amount of metal deposited during electroplating.
(2)
(Total 5 marks)
Answer. (i) Ni;
–
only requires 2 mol of e for each mol of Ni / Sn requires 4 mol
– – 2+ –
of e / Cr requires 3 mol of e / Ni needs least number of e to
produce 1 mol of Ni metal;
–
Allow e instead of e .
cathode / negative electrode; 3
Do not award M3 for “metal deposited at cathode where oxidation
occurs”.
(ii) temperature of solution;
4+
[Sn ];
surface area/size of electrode;
material of electrodes; 2 max
Do not allow nature of electrodes.

3
6. 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)

(ii) Deduce the oxidation and reduction half-equations and identify the oxidizing agent for
the reaction.
(3)

3 3
(iii) 30.0 dm of ammonia reacts with 30.0 dm of nitrogen monoxide at 100 °C.
Identify which gas is in excess and by how much and calculate the volume of nitrogen
produced.
(2)
(Total 8 marks)
Answer. (i) NH3: –3;
NO: +2;
N2: 0; 3
Penalize incorrect notation such as 3–, III, 2+, 2, II once only.

(ii) Oxidation:
+ –
2NH3 → N2 + 6H + 6e ;
Reduction:
+ –
2NO + 4H + 4e → N2 + 2H2O;
Award [1 max] for M1 and M2 if redox processes are not
identified or if equations are given wrong way round.
Penalize once only.
–
Allow e instead of e .
Ignore state symbols.
Oxidizing agent: NO; 3
Allow either formula or name.

3
(iii) NH3/ammonia (in excess by) and 10 (dm );
3
25.0 (dm ); 2
[8]

4
7. Iron is more reactive than copper.
2+
(i) Draw a labelled 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 electron flow in the external
circuit.
(4)

(ii) Deduce the half-equations for the reactions taking place at the positive electrode
(cathode) and negative electrode (anode) of this voltaic cell.
(2)

(iii) Deduce the overall equation for the reaction taking place in the voltaic cell and determine
which species acts as the oxidizing agent and which species has been reduced.
(2)

Answer. (i)

correct diagram including voltmeter/meter, 4 correct species (state

symbols not required) and connecting wires;
No credit if wires to electrodes immersed in the solutions.
labelled salt bridge;
Do not accept name of salt (e.g. potassium nitrate) in place
of salt bridge.
correctly labelled electrodes (+)/cathode and (–)/anode;
flow of electrons from Fe to Cu in external circuit; 4
2+ –
(ii) positive electrode: Cu + 2e → Cu;
2+ –
negative electrode: Fe → Fe + 2e ; 2
Award [1] if equations correct but at wrong electrodes or
if electrodes are missing.
Award [2] for correct equations if electrodes are missing but
were correctly labelled in diagram.
–
Accept e instead of e .
Ignore state symbols.

5
 Penalize once only in equations in (ii) and (iii).
2+ 2+
(iii) Fe + Cu → Fe + Cu;
Ignore state symbols.
2+
Cu is the oxidizing agent and the species that is reduced; 2
[8]

8. The standard electrode potential for a half-cell made from iron metal in a solution of iron(II)
2+
ions, Fe (aq), has the value –0.45 V.

(i) Define standard electrode potential.

(2)

(ii) Explain the significance of the minus sign in –0.45 V.

(1)

Answer. (i)the potential difference/voltage obtained when a half-cell is

connected to a standard hydrogen electrode;
–3
under standard conditions / 1.00 mol dm solutions, 298 K; 2
(ii) the electrons flow from the half-cell to the standard hydrogen
electrode / the half-cell forms the negative electrode when
connected to the standard half-cell / Fe is a better reducing
agent than H2 / Fe is above H2 in electrochemical series; 1
Accept “the half reaction is not spontaneous”.

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)

(i) Describe the colour change that will be observed in the reaction.
(1)

2–
(ii) Deduce the oxidation number of chromium in Cr2O7 .
(1)

(iii) State the balanced half-equation for the reduction of dichromate ions to chromium(III)
ions.
(1)

(iv) 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)

(v) Explain why it is necessary to carry out the reaction under acidic conditions.
(1)

(vi) Identify the organic product formed if excess potassium dichromate is used and the
reaction is carried out under reflux.
(1)

Ans. (i) (the solution changes) from orange to green; 1

6
 (ii) +6; 1
Do not accept 6, 6+ or the use of Roman numerals.

2– + – 3+
(iii) Cr2O7 + 14H + 6e → 2Cr + 7H2O; 1

+ –
(iv) CH3CH2OH → CH3CHO + 2H + 2e ;
2– + 3+
Cr2O7 + 3CH3CH2OH + 8H → 2Cr + 3CH3CHO + 7H2O 3
For second equation award [1] for correct reactants and
products and [1] for correct balancing.

+
(v) H is a reactant / OWTTE; 1

(vi) ethanoic acid / CH3COOH / acid; 1

Accept acetic acid.
[8]

10. Sodium metal can be obtained by the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride.

(i) Explain why it is very difficult to obtain sodium from sodium chloride by any other
method.
(2)

(ii) Explain why an aqueous solution of sodium chloride cannot be used to obtain sodium
metal by electrolysis.
(2)

Ans. (i) sodium is a very powerful reducing agent/high in electrochemical

series;
any chemical reducing agent would need to be even higher in
+
ECS to reduce Na / OWTTE; 2 max

+ +
(ii) H ions gain electrons more readily than Na / hydrogen is
evolved instead;
hydrogen is below Na in ECS;
if sodium were to be formed it would react with the water in the
solution / OWTTE; 2 max
[4]

7
11. (i) Draw an annotated diagram of a voltaic cell composed of a magnesium electrode in 1.0
–3 –3
mol dm magnesium nitrate solution and a silver electrode in 1.0 mol dm silver nitrate
solution. State the direction of electron flow on your diagram.
(4)

(ii) Deduce half-equations for the oxidation and reduction reactions.

(2)

Ans. (i)

correctly labelled electrodes and solutions;

labelled salt bridge;
voltmeter;
Allow bulb or ammeter.
direction of electron flow; 4

(ii) Oxidation:
2+ –
Mg(s) → Mg (aq) + 2e ;
Reduction:
+ –
Ag (aq) + e → Ag(s);
Ignore state symbols.
Award [1 max] if equations not labelled reduction or oxidation or
labelled the wrong way round.
–
Allow e instead of e .
Penalize equilibrium sign or reversible arrows once only. 2
[6]

8
12. Consider the following three redox reactions.
2+ 2+
Cd(s) + Ni (aq) → Cd (aq) + Ni(s)
+ 2+
Ni(s) + 2Ag (aq) → Ni (aq) + 2Ag(s)
2+ 2+
Zn(s) + Cd (aq) → Zn (aq) + Cd(s)

(i) Deduce the order of reactivity of the four metals, cadmium, nickel, silver and zinc and list
in order of decreasing reactivity.
(2)

(ii) Identify the best oxidizing agent and the best reducing agent.
(2)
Ans. (i) Zn > Cd > Ni > Ag
Zn most reactive;
rest of order correct; 2

(ii) Best oxidizing agent:

+
Ag ;
Do not accept Ag.
Best reducing agent:
Zn;
2+
Do not accept Zn . 2
[4]

13. (i) Solid sodium chloride does not conduct electricity but molten sodium chloride does.
Explain this difference.
(2)

(ii) Outline what happens in an electrolytic cell during the electrolysis of molten sodium
chloride using inert electrodes. Deduce equations for the reactions occurring at each
electrode.
(4)
Ans. (i) sodium chloride crystals consist of ions in a (rigid) lattice / ions cannot
move (to electrodes) / OWTTE;
when melted ions free to move / ions move when potential difference/
voltage applied; 2

+
(ii) positive sodium ions/Na move to negative electrode/cathode and negative
–
chloride ions/Cl move to positive electrode/anode;
electrons released to positive electrode/anode by negative ions and accepted
from negative electrode/cathode by positive ions / reduction occurs at the
negative electrode/cathode and oxidation occurs at the positive electrode/

9
 + –
anode / Na ions are reduced and Cl ions are oxidized;
(Positive electrode/anode):
1
– – – –
2Cl → Cl2 + 2e / Cl → 2 Cl2 + e ;
(Negative electrode/cathode):
+ – + –
2Na + 2e → 2Na / Na + e → Na;
Award [1 max] if equations not labelled or labelled wrong way round.

14. (a) (i) Draw an annotated diagram of a voltaic cell composed of a magnesium electrode in
–3 –3
1.0 mol dm magnesium nitrate solution and a silver electrode in 1.0 mol dm
silver nitrate solution. State the direction of electron flow on your diagram.
(4)

(ii) Deduce half-equations for the oxidation and reduction reactions.

(2)

(iii) Using Table 14 of the Data Booklet, calculate the cell potential for this cell.
(2)

(b) The standard electrode potentials for three other electrode systems are given below.

O
E /V
– + – 2+
MnO4 (aq) + 8H (aq) + 5e Mn (aq) + 4H2O(l) +1.51
3+ – 2+
Fe (aq) + e Fe (aq) +0.77
2+ –
Cd (aq) + 2e Cd(s) –0.40

(i) Identify which species in the table above is the best reducing agent.
(1)

(ii) Deduce the equation for the overall reaction with the greatest cell potential.
(2)

(c) 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).
(4)

Ans. (a) (i)

10
 correctly labelled electrodes and solutions;
labelled salt bridge;
voltmeter;
Allow bulb or ammeter.
direction of electron flow; 4

(ii) Oxidation:
2+ –
Mg(s) → Mg (aq) + 2e ;
Reduction:
+ –
Ag (aq) + e → Ag(s);
Ignore state symbols.
Award [1 max] if equations not labelled reduction or oxidation or
labelled the wrong way round.
–
Allow e instead of e .
Penalize equilibrium sign or reversible arrows once only. 2

(iii) +0.80 – (–2.37) = 3.17 V

correct data;
answer with unit;
Award [1] for –3.17 V or correct working of wrong values. 2

(b) (i) Cd/Cd(s);

2+
Do not allow Cd . 1

– + 2+ 2+
(ii) 5Cd(s) + 2MnO4 (aq) + 16H (aq) → 5Cd (aq) + 2Mn (aq) + 8H2O(l)
correct reactants and products;
correct balancing of this equation;
Ignore state symbols. 2

(c) Accept suitable diagram with the following indicated:

Pt electrode;
+ –3 –3
[H (aq)] = 1 mol dm /0.5 mol dm H2SO4;

11
 H2 gas;
5
at 1 atm / 1.01 × 10 Pa;
Do not award mark for pressure if no hydrogen gas given.
298 K / 25 °C; 4 max

15. (i) Solid sodium chloride does not conduct electricity but molten sodium chloride does.
Explain this difference.
(2)

(ii) Outline what happens in an electrolytic cell during the electrolysis of molten sodium
chloride using inert electrodes. Deduce equations for the reactions occurring at each
electrode.
(4)

(iii) Two electrolytic cells are connected in series as shown in the diagram below.
In one there is molten magnesium chloride and in the other, dilute sodium hydroxide
solution. Both cells have inert electrodes. If 12.16 g of magnesium is produced in the first
cell, deduce the identity and mass of products produced at the positive and negative
electrodes in the second cell.

(4)

Ans. (i) sodium chloride crystals consist of ions in a (rigid) lattice / ions
cannot move (to electrodes) / OWTTE;
when melted ions free to move / ions move when potential
difference/voltage applied; 2

+
(ii) positive sodium ions/Na move to the negative electrode/cathode
–
and negative chloride ions/Cl move to the positive electrode/anode;
electrons are released to positive electrode/anode by negative ions
and accepted from negative electrode/cathode by positive ions /
reduction occurs at the negative electrode/cathode and oxidation
+
occurs at the positive electrode/anode / Na ions are reduced and
–
Cl ions are oxidized;
(Positive electrode/anode):
1
– – – –
2Cl → Cl2 + 2e / Cl → 2 Cl2 + e ;
(Negative electrode/cathode)
+ – + –
2Na + 2e → 2Na / Na + e →Na;
Award [1 max] if equations not labelled or labelled wrong way round.

12
 –
Allow e instead of e .
Penalize equilibrium sign or reversible arrows once only. 4

(iii) Products:
oxygen at positive electrode and hydrogen at negative electrode;
moles of Mg = 0.5 / mole ratio of O2:H2 is 1:2;
Can be implied by calculation.
 1 12.16 
  32.00 
mass oxygen =  2 24 .31  8.00 g;
 12.16 
 2.02 
mass hydrogen =  24.31  1.01 g;
Do not apply SD rule here. 4
[10]

16. The word redox comes from a combination of the terms reduction and oxidation.
Redox reactions affect our daily lives.

The overall reaction that takes place in a voltaic cell is shown below.

Pb(s) + PbO2(s) + 2H2SO4(aq) → 2PbSO4(s) + 2H2O(l)

(i) Determine the oxidation number of lead in Pb, PbO2 and PbSO4.
(1)

(ii) Deduce the oxidation and reduction half-equations taking place at the negative lead
electrode (anode) and the positive lead(IV) oxide electrode (cathode). Deduce the
oxidizing and reducing agents and state the direction of the electron flow between the
electrodes.
(4)

(iii) In order to determine the position of three metals in a reactivity series, the metals were
placed in different solutions of metal ions. The table below summarizes whether or not a
reaction occurred.

+ 2+ 2+
Ag (aq) Cu (aq) Pb (aq)
Ag(s) No reaction No reaction
Cu(s) Reaction No reaction
Pb(s) Reaction Reaction

State the equations for the three reactions that take place. Use this information to place
the metals Ag, Cu and Pb in a reactivity series, with the strongest reducing agent first, and
explain your reasoning.
(5)

13
Ans. (i) Pb: 0, PbO2: +4, PbSO4: +2;
Need sign for mark.
Do not accept notations such as 4+, 2+ or IV, II. 1

(ii) Negative/–/anode
2– – 2+ –
Pb(s) + SO4 (aq) → PbSO4(s) + 2e / Pb(s) → Pb (aq) + 2e ;
Positive/+/cathode
+ 2– –
PbO2(s) + 4H (aq) + SO4 (aq) + 2e → PbSO4(s) + 2H2O(l) /
+ – 2+
PbO2(s) + 4H (aq) + 2e → Pb (aq) + 2H2O(l) /
+ –
PbO2(s) + H2SO4(aq) + 2H (aq) + 2e → PbSO4(s) + 2H2O(l);
4+ – 2+
Accept Pb + 2e → Pb .
Ignore state symbols.
–
Allow e instead of e .
oxidizing agent is PbO2 / lead(IV) oxide/lead dioxide and reducing agent
is Pb/lead;
from negative/–/anode/Pb to positive/+/cathode/PbO2 (through the external
circuit/wire); 4

2+ 2+
(iii) Pb(s) + Cu (aq) → Pb (aq) + Cu(s)
+ 2+
Pb(s) + 2Ag (aq) → Pb (aq) + 2Ag(s)
+ 2+
Cu(s) + 2Ag (aq) → Cu (aq) + 2Ag(s)
Award [2] for three correct, award [1] for any two correct, one correct
scores no mark.
Ignore state symbols.
Penalize unbalanced equations once only.
Pb is a stronger reducing agent than Cu and/or Ag / Pb most reactive as it
2+ +
can reduce/displace both Cu and Ag ;
Cu is a stronger reducing agent than Ag but not Pb / Cu in the middle (of the
+ 2+
three) as it can reduce/displace Ag  but not Pb ;
Accept converse argument.
Decreasing order: Pb, Cu, Ag / Pb > Cu > Ag;
2+ 2+ +
Do not accept: Pb , Cu , Ag . 5

17. (i) Molten sodium chloride is electrolysed in a cell using inert electrodes.
State the half-equation, with state symbols, for the reaction taking place at the positive
electrode (anode) and for the reaction taking place at the negative electrode (cathode).
Determine the mole ratio of the products formed.
(3)

(ii) Predict and explain the products of electrolysis of a concentrated solution of NaCl(aq)
using inert electrodes. Your answer should include half-equations with state symbols for
the reaction at each electrode.
(4)
Ans. (i) Positive/+/anode
– –
2Cl (l) → Cl2(g) + 2e ;
–
Allow e instead of e .
Negative/–/cathode

14
 + –
Na (l) + e → Na(l);
Penalize missing or incorrect states such as (aq) or (s) once only.
Award only [1] if electrodes not specified or if equations switched.
1Cl2 to 2Na; 3

– – –
(ii) (choice of Cl or H2O/OH to be oxidized), Cl oxidized because of
concentrated solution/higher concentration / OWTTE;
+ + + +
(choice of Na or H2O/H to be reduced), H2O/H reduced because Na is a
+ +
(much) weaker oxidizing agent / Na not reduced to Na in water / H easier to
+
reduce than Na / OWTTE;
positive/+/anode
– –
2Cl (aq) → Cl2(g) + 2e ;
negative/–/cathode
– – + –
2H2O(l) + 2e → H2(g) + 2OH (aq) / 2H (aq) + 2e → H2(g);
Penalize missing or incorrect states once only.
Award only [1] out of the last two marks if electrodes not specified or if
equations switched.
–
Allow e instead of e . 4
[7]

18. Electroplating is an important application of electrolytic cells with commercial implications.

Copper may be plated using an electrolytic cell with an aqueous acidified copper(II) sulfate
electrolyte.

For the copper plating of tin to make jewelry, state the half-equation at each electrode.
Assume the other electrode is also inert. Suggest two observations that you would be able to
make as the electroplating progresses.
(Total 4 marks)
Ans. Positive/+/anode
1
+ – + –
2H2O(l) → O2(g) + 4H (aq) + 4e /H2O(l) → 2 O2(g) + 2H (aq) + 2e /
– –
4OH (aq) → 2H2O(l) + O2(g) + 4e ;
Negative/–/cathode
2+ –
Cu (aq) + 2e → Cu(s);
Ignore state symbols.
Award only [1] if electrodes not specified or if equations switched.
–
Allow e instead of e .
Observations: [2 max]
2+
blue colour of Cu (aq) fades;
Cu/metal deposited on negative/–/cathode/tin (jewelry);
gas produced/bubbles formed (at positive/+/anode);
pH of solution decreases/acidity increases (observed with indicator/pH paper); 4 max
[4]

19. Fertilizers may cause health problems for babies because nitrates can change into nitrites in
water used for drinking.

(i) Define oxidation in terms of oxidation numbers.

(1)

15
 – –
(ii) Deduce the oxidation states of nitrogen in the nitrate, NO3 , and nitrite, NO2 , ions.
(1)
Ans. (i) increase in the oxidation number; 1
–
(ii) (NO3)+ 5 and (NO2 ) + 3;
Accept V and III.
Do not penalize missing charges on numbers. 1
[2]

20. Nitric acid reacts with silver in a redox reaction.

– +
__ Ag(s) + __ NO3 (aq) + ____ → __ Ag (aq) + __ NO(g) + ____

Using oxidation numbers, deduce the complete balanced equation for the reaction showing all
the reactants and products.

Ans. change in oxidation numbers: Ag from 0 to +1 and N from +5 to +2;

Do not penalize missing charges on numbers.
– + +
balanced equation: 3Ag + NO3 + 4H → 3Ag + NO + 2H2O
Award [1] for correct reactants and product;
Award [3] for correct balanced equation.
Ignore state symbols. 3
[3]

21. Magnesium can be produced from the electrolysis of molten magnesium chloride, MgCl 2.

(i) Explain how molten magnesium chloride conducts an electric current.

(2)

(ii) Identify the electrode where oxidation occurs during electrolysis of molten magnesium
chloride and state an equation for the half-reaction.
(2)

(iii) Explain why magnesium is not formed during the electrolysis of aqueous magnesium
chloride solution.
(1)

Ans. (i) contains ions which are free to move (only) in molten state;
2+ –
Mg move to cathode/negative electrode and Cl move to anode/positive
electrode / OWTTE; 2
(ii) anode/positive electrode;
1
– – – –
2Cl → Cl2 + 2e / Cl → 2 Cl2 + e ;
–
Accept e instead of e .
– –
Do not accept Cl → Cl + e .
Ignore state symbols. 2
O
(iii) magnesium has large negative electrode potential / E ;
+
reduction of H2O/H to H2 has less negative electrode potential;
2+
Mg not readily reduced (in comparison to H2O);
2+
if formed, magnesium would (immediately) react with water to form Mg ;
magnesium more reactive than hydrogen;
Do not accept Mg too reactive. 1 max

16
 [5]

22. An electrochemical cell is made from an iron half-cell connected to a cobalt half-cell:

2+ –
The standard electrode potential for Fe (aq) + 2e Fe (s) is –0.45 V. The total cell potential
obtained when the cell is operating under standard conditions is 0.17 V.
Cobalt is produced during the spontaneous reaction.

(i) Define the term standard electrode potential and state the meaning of the minus sign in
the value of – 0.45 V.
(3)

(ii) Calculate the value for the standard electrode potential for the cobalt half-cell.
(1)

(iii) Deduce which species acts as the oxidizing agent when the cell is operating.
(1)

(iv) Deduce the equation for the spontaneous reaction taking place when the iron half-cell is
connected instead to an aluminium half-cell.
(2)

(v) Explain the function of the salt bridge in an electrochemical cell.

(2)

Ans. (i) the voltage obtained when the half-cell is connected to the standard
hydrogen electrode;
–3
under standard conditions of 298 K and 1 mol dm solutions;
electrons flow (in the external circuit) from the half-cell to the hydrogen
electrode / the metal in the half-cell is above hydrogen in the ECS / Fe is a
better reducing agent than H2 / Fe is oxidized more readily than H2; 3

(ii) –0.28 V; 1

17
 2+
(iii) Co /cobalt(II) ion; 1

2+ 3+
(iv) 2Al + 3Fe → 3Fe + 2Al ;
Award [1] for correct reactants and products and [1] for correctly
balanced, ignore states.
Do not accept 2

(v) to complete the electrical circuit / OWTTE;

by allowing the movement of ions; 2
[9]

24. (a) An electrolytic cell is made using a very dilute solution of sodium chloride.

(i) Draw a labelled diagram of the cell. Use an arrow to show the direction of the
electron flow and identify the positive and negative electrodes.
(3)

(ii) Give the formulas of all the ions present in the solution.
(2)

(iii) Predict the products obtained at each electrode and state the half-equation for the
formation of each product.
(3)

(iv) Deduce the molar ratios of the products obtained at the two electrodes.
(1)

(b) Predict the products by giving the relevant half-equation for the reaction occurring at
each electrode if the electrolyte of the cell described in part (a) was changed to:

(i) concentrated sodium chloride

(2)

(ii) molten sodium bromide

(2)

18
Ans. (a) (i) diagram to show:

battery/source of electricity connected to two electrodes in the

solution with positive and negative electrodes correctly labelled;
electrons/current flowing from the cell to the negative electrode;
labelled solution of sodium chloride;
If the connecting wires to electrodes are immersed in the
solution [1 max]. 3
+ + + – –
(ii) Na , H /H3O , Cl , OH
All four correct [2], any three correct [1]. 2 max
(iii) hydrogen at (–)/cathode and oxygen at (+)/anode;
+ – – –
2H + 2e → H2 / 2H2O + 2e → H2 + 2OH ;
– – + –
4OH → O2 + 2H2O + 4e / 2H2O → O2 + 4H + 4e ;
–
Accept e instead of e
If electrodes omitted or wrong way round [2 max]. 3
(iv) Ratio of H2:O2 is 2:1; 1

19
 + – – –
(b) (i) (–)/(cathode)2H + 2e → H2 / 2H2O + 2e → H2 + 2OH ;
– –
(+)/(anode) 2Cl → Cl2 + 2e ;
–
Accept e instead of e .
If electrodes omitted or wrong way round [1 max] 2
+ –
(ii) (–)/(cathode) Na + e → Na;
– –
(+)/(anode) 2Br → Br2 + 2e ;
–
Accept e instead of e .
If electrodes omitted or wrong way round [1 max]. 2

25. (i) Define oxidation in terms of oxidation numbers.

(1)

(ii) Describe using a labelled diagram, the essential components of an electrolytic cell.
(3)

(iii) Explain why solid sodium chloride does not conduct electricity but molten sodium
chloride does.
(2)

(iv) Molten sodium chloride undergoes electrolysis in an electrolytic cell. For each electrode
deduce the half-equation and state whether oxidation or reduction takes place. Deduce the
equation of the overall cell reaction including state symbols.
(5)

(v) Electrolysis has made it possible to obtain reactive metals such as aluminium from their
ores, which has resulted in significant developments in engineering and technology. State
one reason why aluminium is preferred to iron in many uses.
(1)

(vi) Outline two differences between an electrolytic cell and a voltaic cell.
(2)
Ans. (i) increase in the oxidation number; 1

(ii) Annotated diagram of cell showing:

power supply/battery;
electrolyte;
cathode/negative electrode and anode/positive electrode;

3
(iii) (solid) ions in a lattice / ions cannot move;

20
 (molten) ions mobile / ions free to move; 2
(iv) reduction occurs at the cathode/negative electrode and oxidation occurs
at the anode/positive electrode;
+ –
Cathode/negative electrode: Na + e → Na;
1
– – – –
Anode/positive electrode: 2Cl → Cl2 + 2e / Cl → 2 Cl2 + e ;
Award [1 max] if the two electrodes are not labelled/labelled incorrectly
for the two half-equations.
1
+ –
Overall cell reaction: Na (l) + Cl (l) → Na(l) + 2 Cl2(g)
Award [1] for correct equation and [1] for correct state symbols.
+ –
Allow NaCl(l) instead of Na (l) and Cl (l). 5
(v) Al does not corrode/rust / Al is less dense/better conductor/more
malleable;
Accept Al is a lighter (metal compared to Fe).
Accept converse argument. 1

(vi) electrolytic cell converts electrical energy to chemical energy and voltaic
cell converts chemical energy to electrical energy / electrolytic cell uses
electricity to carry out a (redox) chemical reaction and voltaic cell uses a
(redox) chemical reaction to produce electricity / electrolytic cell requires
a power supply and voltaic cell does not;
electrolytic cell involves a non-spontaneous (redox) reaction and voltaic
cell involves a spontaneous (redox) reaction;
in an electrolytic cell, cathode is negative and anode is positive and vice-versa
for a voltaic cell / electrolytic cell, anode is positive and voltaic cell,
anode is negative / electrolytic cell, cathode is negative and voltaic
cell, cathode is positive;
voltaic cell has two separate solutions and electrolytic cell has one
solution / voltaic cell has salt bridge and electrolytic cell has no salt bridge;
electrolytic cell, oxidation occurs at the positive electrode/anode and voltaic
cell, oxidation occurs at the negative electrode/anode and vice-versa; 2 max
[14]

21
26. Consider the following half-cell reactions and their standard electrode potentials.
2+ – O
Ni (aq) + 2e Ni(s) E = –0.26 V
3+ – O
Al (aq) + 3e Al(s) E = –1.66 V

(i) Deduce a balanced equation for the overall reaction which will occur spontaneously when
these two half-cells are connected.
(2)

(ii) Determine the cell potential when the two half-cells are connected.
(1)

(iii) On the cell diagram below, label the negative electrode (anode), the positive electrode
(cathode) and the directions of the movement of electrons and ion flow.

(4)

2+ 3+
5Ans (i) 2Al(s) + 3Ni (aq) → 2Al (aq) + 3Ni(s);
Correct reactants and products, award [1]
Balancing award [1].
Ignore state symbols and equilibrium sign. 2

(ii) (+) 1.40 (V) ; 1

(iii) aluminium anode/negative electrode;

nickel cathode/positive electrode;
electron movement from Al to Ni;
correct movement of cations and anions through salt bridge;
If electron movement shown correctly but not labelled, award the mark

4
[7]

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