RedoxElectrolysisCritA_May2020

By Mhairi McCartney
Last updated over 4 years ago
25 Questions
QUESTIONS (levels adjusted for an open book test)
Strand i. describe scientific knowledge
1.

Identify the row with both correct statements for the following electrochemical processes:
[Level 1-2]




2.

Water in swimming pools can be purified using a chlorinating cell, where an aqueous solution of sodium chloride is electrolysed to produce chlorine. Identify the products formed at the anode and cathode.
[Level 5-6]

3.

In a voltaic cell the redox reactions occur spontaneously. Which statement(s) accurately describe the processes of a voltaic cell? [Level 1-2]

4.

In the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride, sodium ions: [Level 5-6]

5.

The reactivity series lists metals in order of reactivity. The most easily oxidised metals can be found
[Level 3-4]

6.

Which of the following equations represents the reduction of a metal? [Level 3-4]

For the following half-equations (a and b)
a) Cu(s) → Cu2+(aq) + 2e-
b) Ag+(aq) + e- → Ag(s)
7.

i. Identify which is oxidation and which is reduction. [Level 1-2]

8.

ii. Combine the half-equations to form a balanced redox equation. [Level 7-8]

Strand ii apply scientific knowledge and understanding to solve problems set in familiar and unfamiliar situations
A student performed the electrolysis of molten lead (II) bromide (PbBr2) using the apparatus show.

henniscience.weebly.com

The student made a number of observations
  • The light bulb did not light up straight away
  • Brown gas was observed at the positive electrode
  • Molten metal was observed at the negative electrode.
9.

i. Explain why the bulb did not initially light up. [level 7-8]

10.

ii. Write the half-equation for the reaction taking place at the positive electrode [level 5-6]

11.

iii. Write the half-equation for the reaction taking place at the negative electrode [level 5-6]

12.

iv. Explain why lead is formed at the negative electrode and why this reaction taking place at the negative electrode is viewed as a reduction reaction?
[level 3-4]

The diagram shows a voltaic cell:

Source: Harwood, Richard, and Ian Lodge. Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry Coursebook. Cambridge University Press, 2014.
13.

i. State and explain the direction of electron flow in the external circuit. [level 3-4]

14.

ii. State and explain whether oxidation or reduction occurs at each electrode. [level 5-6]

15.

iii. State which electrode is the cathode and which is the anode. [level 3-4]

16.

iv. Explain the function of the salt bridge. [level 7-8]

17.

v. Explain whether the voltage will increase or decrease when the nickel half-cell is replaced by a Cu/Cu2+ half-cell. [level 5-6]

iii. analyse information to make scientifically supported judgments.
A student added different metals to solutions of metal ions and recorded the observations

18.

i. Identify what is the most reactive metal [level 1-2]

19.

ii. Identify what is the least reactive metal [level 1-2]

20.

iii. For the metals tested, write a reactivity series, starting with the most reactive.
[level 3-4]

21.

iv. With the aid of chemical reactions (half equations and overall balanced equation), explain the observations for the reaction of magnesium with copper sulphate. [level 7-8]

Aluminium metal can be obtained from the redox reaction between aluminium oxide (alumina) and solid carbon. The product of this redox reaction is carbon dioxide.
22.

i. Write down a balanced equation for the redox reaction between aluminium oxide and carbon. [level 5-6]

23.

ii. Identify the element that is oxidized and the element that is reduced. Justify your answers. [level 7-8]

Using a simple voltaic cell, as shown, a student carried out an experiment to investigate the order of reactivity of tin, nickel and iron.

The following results were obtained:

24.

i. Explain why the student decided to have copper as metal X in each experiment?
[level 3-4]

25.

ii. List these metals in order of reactivity (most reactive first). [level 3-4]