Chapter 4: Electrochemistry Form 4 Revision Module . WKP.

2014

1. Electrolytes & Non- electrolytes

Electrolytes Non-electrolytes

substances that can …………… ……………… when Substances that cannot conduct electricity either in
they are in molten state or aqueous solution and molten state or aqueous solution.
undergo chemical changes.
Example: Example:
sodium chloride, NaCl solution, Naphthalene, Tetrachloromethane,
Molten Lead (II) bromide, PbBr2, Glucose solution, ethanol
aqueous ammonia , NH3

and all ionic compounds, acids, alkalis All covalent compounds except acids & alkalis
Reason can conduct electricity: Reason can conduct electricity:
contains free ……………. ions. exist as neutral …………… and has no free ….…… ion

2.
Substance discharged at the electrodes
and the half equation
Anode Cathode
Half equation: OH– Half equation: H+ + 2e-  H2
Observation: a colourless gas bubble released Observation: a colourless gas bubble released

Confirmantory test: Insert a glowing splinter into the Confirmantory test: Insert a burning splinter into the
test tube, the splinter lights up // test tube, a “pop” sound is heard
rekindles // ignites

Half equation : 2O2–  O2 + 4e- Half equation: Cu2+

Observation: a colourless gas bubble released Observation:

Half equation: Cl– Half equation: Ag+

Observation: a ....................... gas bubble released Observation:

Half equation: Br– Half equation: Al3+

Observation: a ....................... gas bubble released Observation:

Half equation: I–
Observation: a ....................... gas bubble released

3. Electrolysis & Voltaic Cell (chemical cell)

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 Electrolysis Voltaic Cell
A process whereby the ionic compounds in molten
A cell with two different metals being immersed into an
or aqueous state are broken down into constituent
electrolyte and connected by wire.
elements by passing electricity through them.

………………… energy  chemical energy

………………….. energy  electrical energy
+ terminal  - terminal - terminal to + terminal
Flow of electrons
[anode to cathode] [anode to cathode]
Anode :Donation of electrons Positive terminal Cathode: Acceptance of electrons
Two similar (usually carbon) or
Types of electrodes Two different metals
different metals

Anode (-ve) : more electropositive metal

Cathode(+ve) : less electropositive metal
Factors affecting the products of electrolysis [PCE]
Daniell cell using a porous pot [Zn-Cu]
A. Position of ions in ECS

The lower position of

the ion in the ECS, the
easier the ion to be
discharged during
electrolysis

Daniell cell using a salt bridge [Zn-Cu]

B. Concentration of ions
The more concentrated halide ions will be selected to
be discharged [>0.1moldm-3]
(Cl- , Br- , I-)

C. Type of electrode
Active electrode (Cu , Ag) will involves in electrolysis Fuction of salt bridge/porous pot :
reaction and release electron to allow the ions to flow through it to complete the circuit.
Chemicals can used as Salt bridge:
filter paper soaked into conc. KNO3 / conc. NaNO3 / dilute H2SO4

Application in industry: Application in industry:

A. Extraction of metal A. Lead-acid accumulator B. Dry cell
B. Purification of metal C. Mercury cell D. Alkaline cell
C. Electroplating of object E. Nickel-cadmium cell

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 A. Extraction of aluminium
cryolite (Na3AIF6) is added to ……………….. the melting point
of bauxide(Aluminium Oxide)
B. Purification of Copper
The impure copper plate is connected to the anode.
The pure copper plate is connected to the cathode.
The electrolyte : copper(II) sulphate solution
C. Electroplating
Function of electroplating:
 Increase resistance to corrosion
 Improve appearance
for good quality plating:
 The metal object must be clean and free of grease
 The concentration of ions of the plating must be low
 The electric current must be low
 The object to be plated must be rotated
Benefit of electrolysis:
1.reactive metals can be extracted
2. very pure metal can be produced
Disadvantage:
1.cause pollution
2.expensive process & require large amount of energy
A. Lead-acid accumulator
 Uses: Automobiles.
 Advantage: rechargable , gives a large current
 Disadvantage: heavy, expensive
B. Dry cell
 Uses: touchlight, toys, clock, remote control and radio.
 Advantage: portable, cheap
 Disadvantage: non-rechargable ,short lifetime
C.Mercury cell
 Danger to the environment and mercury need to recycle.
 Uses: Watches, camera and small devices.
 Advantage: portable, light , long lifetime
 Disadvantage: non-rechargable ,high cost
D. Alkaline cell
 Uses: cassette player, electrical toys
 Advantage: portable, long lifetime
 Disadvantage: non-rechargable
E. Nickel-cadmium cell
 Uses: Toys, laptops, and mobile phones.
 Advantage: rechargable , gives a large current ,portable
 Disadvantage: expensive
Benefit of voltaic cell:
1.source of portable electricity
Disadvantage:
1.cause pollution ,contains poisonous substance
Steps taken:
1.mercury cell can be collected & recycled to avoid pollution
2.lead-acid accumulator should be collected and extract the lead
to be recycled
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Solving problem for electrolysis:
1. determine all the exist ions
2. Ions at anode / cathode
3. discharged ion at anode / cathode
4. write half equation
5. observation
0.1 mol dm-3
0.1 mol dm-3
Solving problem for voltaic cell:
1. compare electropositivity of metals
2. more electropositive metal release e- becomes thinner
3. less electropositive metal  gain e- becomes thicker
4. write half equation
5. observation
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 4. Electrochemical Series : An arrangement of ................. based on the tendency
of each metal atom to ............................electrons

Cation Anion

K+ F-
Na+ SO42-
Ca2+

Al3+
Zn 2+
Fe2+ OH-
Pb2+
H+

Ag+

The construction of ECS is based on:

1) The potential difference between two metals.
[The further the two metals in the ECS, the greater the voltage produced by the cell]
2) The ability of a metal to displace another metal from its salt solution.
[The higher position of a metal in ECS can displace an another metal which has lower position in ECS]

Function / Importance of ECS:

1. To determine the terminals of voltaic cells
2. To compare the standard voltage of the voltage cell
3. To predict the ability of metal to displace another metal from its salt solution

Figure below shows the cell voltages of a few voltaic cells using different metals as electrodes.
Predict the negative terminal, positive terminal and cell voltage of the following voltaic cells.

Voltaic cells Negative terminal Positive terminal Cell voltage/V

Mg/Ag
Mg/Zn
Zn/Pb

Paper 1
1. Which of the following substances is an electrolyte?

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 A Pure ethanol C Tetrachloromethane
B Molten naphthalene D Dilute ethanoic acid
[4/2003]

2. Figure 1 shows the set-up of apparatus for the electrolysis of ferum(II) sulphate solution.

Figure 1
What is formed at carbon electrode X?
A Iron C Sulphur dioxide
B Oxygen D Hydrogen gas

[25/2003]
3. Table 3 shows the results of an experiment for three chemical cells.
Chemical Cell Metal pairs Negative terminal Cell voltage/V
X P and R R 1.9
Y R and S S 0.8
Z Q and R R 0.3
Table 3
Which of the following can be deduced from Table 3?
I The cell voltage is 1.6 V when P and Q are used as electrodes.
II The cell voltage is 1.1 V when P and S are used as electrodes.
III Electrons flow from terminal Q to terminal S in the metal pair Q and
S.
IV P functions as a positive terminal when it is paired with Q, R, or S in
a cell.
A I and IV only
B II and III only
C I, II, and III only
D I, II, III, and IV
[33/2003]
4. The diagram shows the set-up of the apparatus for electrolysis.

Which of the following compounds could be used as an electrolyte?

A Ethanol C Ethyl ethanoate
B Kerosene D Ethanoic acid
[3/2004]
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5. The diagram shows the set-up of apparatus used to electroplate an iron key with copper.

What is observed at the anode and cathode after 30 minutes?

Anode
A Brown deposits formed
B Copper foil becomes
C thinner
D Brown deposits formed
Copper foil becomes
thinner
Cathode
Copper foil becomes thicker
Brown deposits formed
Gas bubbles released
Gas bubbles released

[26/2004]
6. The diagram shows the set-up of the apparatus of a simple chemical cell.

What are the metals X and Y?

Metal X Metal Y
A Aluminium Magnesium
B Lead Aluminium
C Aluminium Copper
D Lead Zinc

[39/2004]
7. The table shows information about three simple cells.
Pair of metals Potential difference /V Metal at negative terminal
X and copper 0.45 X
Y and copper 1.30 Y
Z and copper 0.56 Cu
What is the potential difference of the pair of metals Y and Z?
A 0.85 C 1.86
B 1.01 D 2.31
[50/2004]
8. Which of the following is an electrolyte?
A Acetamide B Aluminium
C Ethyl propanoate D Lead(II) bromide
[2005]

9. The diagram shows the set up of the apparatus of a chemical cell.

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Which of the following happens in the chemical cell?
A The iron rod becomes thicker
B The copper rod becomes thinner
C The intensity of the blue colour of copper(II) sulphate solution decreases
D The colour of the solution in Beaker 1 changes from green to brown
[27/2005]

10. The diagram shows the set up of the apparatus of a simple chemical cell. The reading on the
voltmeter is 0.3 V.

Which of the following will increase the reading on the voltmeter?

I Increase the volume of iron(II) sulphate solution
II Substitute the iron plate with a silver plate
III Use a more dilute iron(II) sulphate solution
IV Substitute the zinc plate with a magnesium plate
A I and II only C II and IV only
B I and III only D II, III and IV [42/2005]

11. The diagram shows four simple chemical cells. In each cell, iron is one of the electrodes.

In which cell does iron act as the negative terminal?

A Cell I C Cell III
B Cell II D Cell IV [43/2005]
12 Which of the following is true about electrolytes?
A. Elements that conduct electricity in molten state
B. Compound that conduct electricity in solid state
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 C. Elements that conduct electricity in solid or molten state
D. Compounds that conduct electricity in molten state of aqueous solution [9/2006]

13. Diagram 7 shows four chemical cells using the electrode pairs P-S,P-R, Q-S,and Q-R.

Find the voltage value of cell IV.

A 0.32V
B 0.39V
C 0.71V
D 0.90V [25/2006]

14. Diagram 4 shows the extraction process of iron in a blast furnace.

What is substance X?
A Silver B Aluminium
C Coke D Vanadium(V) oxide
[19/2006]

15. Diagram 8 shows the set up of the apparatus for the electrolysis of copper(II) sulphate solution.

Diagram 8
The intensity of the blue colour of copper(II) sulphate is decreasing. Which of the following
explains the observation?
A. OH- ion is discharged at the anode
B. H+ ion is discharged at the cathode
C. SO42- ion is discharged at the anode
D. Cu2+ ion is discharged at the cathode [26/2006]

16. Diagram 13 shows the set up of the apparatus to plate an iron spoon with silver.

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 Diagram 13
After 30 minutes it was found that no plating took place on the iron spoon. What should be done?
A. Increases the cell voltages.
B. Interchanges the terminals in the cell.
C. Rub the iron spoon with sand paper.
D. Use iron (II) sulphate solution as the electrolyte [39/2006]

17. Diagram 5 shows a type of chemical cell.

Which of the following is true about the chemical cell?

A. The cell is not rechargeable
B. The electrolyte used is nitric acid
C. An oxidation reaction occurs at the negative terminal
D. The lead plate that is plated with lead (IV) oxide is the negative terminal of the cell
[16/2007]

18. The following is a half equation for a reaction.

IO3- + q H+ + re-  ½ I2 + sH2O
What are q, r and s?
q r s
A 3 5 6
B 5 3 6
C 5 6 3
D 6 5 3
[47/2006]
19. Diagram 15 shows the set up of the apparatus to build a chemical cell.

Diagram 15
It was found that there is no deflection on the voltmeter needle. What should be done to make
sure that the voltmeter needle deflects?
10
 A. Add water into the glacial ethanoic acid.
B. Add dry cells in series in the circuit.
C. Substitute the zinc electrode with an aluminium electrode.
D. Substitute the magnesium electrode with an iron electrode.
[48/2006]

20. Which of the following substances is an electrolyte?

A. Glucose B. Ethanol C. Acetamide D. Sodium chloride
[8/2007]
21. Diagram 8 shows the apparatus set-up of a chemical cell used to light up a bulb.

What substance can be used as Q and S to obtain the brightest light?

Q S
A Magnesium Magnesium chloride
B Aluminium Aluminium nitrate
C Iron Iron(II) sulphate
D Zinc Zinc chloride

[27/2007]
22. Table 1 shows the result for displacement reactions to determine the Electrochemical Series.
Solution Pb(NO3)2 ZnSO4 MgSO4
Metal Cu(NO3)2

W No change No change No change

X Copper is displaced Lead is displaced Zinc is displaced

Y Copper is displaced Lead is displaced No change
Z Copper is displaced No change No change
Table 1
Which of the following is the correct position of the metals, in ascending order, of the tendency of the
metals to form ions?
A W, Z, Y, X C X, Z, Y, W
B W, Y, Z, X D X, Y, W, Z [28/2007]

23. Diagram 12 shows a chemical cell.

What is the chemical reaction that takes place at the negative terminal of the chemical cell?
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 A Zn(s) → Zn2+(aq) + 2e-
B Cu2+(aq) + 2e- → Cu(s)
C Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) → Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s)
D Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s) → Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq)
[38/2007]

24. Diagram 15 shows an apparatus set-up for a chemical cell prepared by a teacher.

The teacher asked one student to modify the chemical cell so that the voltmeter would give a
higher reading.What modification should the student make?
A Reduce the distance between the two metal plates
B Use a wider metal plates
C Substitute the zinc with aluminium
D Use aluminium sulphate solution as the electrolyte
[47/2007]

25. Which substances are electrolytes?

I Glucose
II Acetamide
III Lead (II) bromide
IV Sodium Chloride
A I and II C II and IV
B I and III D III and IV
[5/2008]

26. Diagram 1 shows a voltaic cell.

Copper plate
Aluminium V
plate

0.5 mol dm-3

sodium chloride solution

Diagram 1
Which of the following increases the voltage of the cell?
A Replace the copper plate with a silver plate
B Replace the aluminium plate with a zinc plate
C Increase the concentration of the sodium chloride solution
D Increase the temperature of the sodium chloride solution [32/2008]

12
27. Diagram 2 shows the electrolysis of silver nitrate solution.

Carbon electrode Carbon electrode

0.5 mol dm-3

silver nitrate solution

Diagram 2
Which half equation represents the reactions at the anode and the cathode?
At the anode At the cathode
A Ag + e− → Ag
+
4OH− → 2H2O + O2 + 4e−
B 4OH− → 2H2O + O2 + 4e− Ag+ + e− → Ag
C 2H+ + 2e− → H2 4OH− → 2H2O + O2 + 4e−
D 4OH− → 2H2O + O2 + 4e− 2H+ + 2e− → H2
[39/2008]

28. Table 1 shows information about three chemical cell.

Chemical cell Pair of metal electrodes Voltage / V Positive terminal

I J, K 2.7 K
II J, L 1.5 L
III L, M 0.6 L
Which of the following is the correct descending order of these metals in the electrochemical
series?
A M, L, K, J
B J, L, M, K
C J, M, L, K
D K, L, M, J [49/2008]

29. Which of the following shows the correct apparatus to electroplate an iron ring with silver?

A
Silver plate
Iron ring

Iron (II) nitrate solution

B
Silver plate
Iron ring

Silver nitrate solution

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 C
Silver plate
Iron ring

Iron (II) nitrate solution

D
Silver plate
Iron ring

Silver nitrate solution

[44/2008]

30. Which pair of metals produces the highest voltage in a voltaic cell?

A Tin – Iron C Silver - Magnesium

B Copper - Zinc D Zinc – Aluminium [26/2009]

31. Electrolysis of molten lead(II) iodide is carried out using carbon electrodes. Which half-equation
shows the reaction at the anode?
A 2I- I2 + 2e-
-
B I2 + 2e 2I-
C Pb2+ + 2e- Pb
D Pb Pb2+ + 2e-
[30/2009]

32. Diagram 5 shows the apparatus set-up for the electrolysis of sodium sulphate solution, Na 2SO4.

What are the products at electrodes X and Y?

X Y
A Sulphur Hydrogen gas
B Sulphur dioxide gas Sodium
C Oxygen gas Hydrogen gas
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 D Hydrogen gas Oxygen gas
[31/2009]
33. Which of the following is not the function of electrolysis in daily lives?
A Prevention of corrosion
B Generation of electrical energy
C Electroplating metals
D Extraction of metals
[45/2009]

34. Table 3 shows information about three voltaic cells.

Pair of metals Potential difference(V) Positive terminal
R, S 0.6 S
S, T 2.1 S
U, T 1.3 U
Table 3
What is a possible potential difference of he voltaic cell when metal U is paired with metal R?
A 0.2 V B 0.8 V
C 1.5 V D 1.9 V
[47/2009]

15
 Paper 2

Q1. Figure 2 shows a set-up of apparatus to investigate the electrolysis of dilute copper(II) sulphate
solution.
Gas
dilute copper(II)
solution
Carbon
Carbon electrode Y
electrode X

Figure 2
(a) i What is meant by cation? [ 1 mark ]

ii What is the energy change that occurs in the electrolysis process? [ 1 mark ]

(b) In the electrolysis of dilute copper(II) sulphate solution.

i State all the ions in the electrolyte. [ 1 mark ]

ii In the table below, write the ions in b(i) which moved to electrodes X and Y. [ 1 mark ]
Electrode X Electrode Y

iii What are the processes that occur at electrode X and Y? [ 1 mark ]
Electrode X:
Electrode Y:
iv What would you observe at electrode Y? [ 1 mark ]

v What is the colour change of electrolyte? [ 1 mark ]

(c) i Name the gas collected in the test tube at electrode X. [ 1 mark ]

ii Write the half equation at electrode X.[ 1 mark ]

[Q3/2004]

Q2 Diagram below shows two types of cell.

Copper plate Copper plate Zinc plate

Copper(II) sulphate
solution

Cell X Cell Y

(a) State the name of cell X and cell Y.

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 Cell X :
Cell Y :
[2 marks]
(b) Write the formulae of all ions present in copper(II) sulphate solution.

[1 mark]
(c) Based on the Cell X;
(i) What happen to the intensity of blue colour of copper(II) sulphate solution ?

[1 mark]
(ii) Write a half equation for the reaction that occurs at the copper plate Q.

[1 mark]
(d) Based on the Cell Y;
(i) State the energy change occurred in Cell Y.

[1 mark]
(ii) What is the expected observation at the zinc plate, S?

[1 mark]
(iii) If the zinc plate, S is replaced by a magnesium strip, describe what will happen to the
voltmeter reading.

[1 mark]
(e) Diagram below shows the set up of apparatus when cell X is combined with cell Y.

Copper plate Q
Copper plate Zinc plate

Copper(II) sulphate
solution

(i) Draw arrows () to show the direction of the electrons flow in the diagram above.
[1 mark]
(ii) State an observation at electrode Q after 30 minutes.

[1 mark]

17
Q3 V

Electrode Y
Electrode X

Sodium chloride solution

The apparatus above shows a set up for a simple cell. Two different metal electrodes are
immersed into dilute sodium chloride solution. The voltage of the cell obtained is recorded. The
experiment is repeated by using different pairs of electrodes. The table below shows the
results obtained.

(a) For the cells using X and Y metal electrodes, state the direction of the flow of electrons.

(b) State a hypothesis for the above experiment.

[1 mark]

(c) Arrange the metals V, W, X, Y and Z in decreasing order in the Electrochemical Series.

[1 mark]

(d) A chemical cell is set up using the metal Z and V electrodes.

(i) State the negative terminal of the cell.

[1 mark]
(ii) Predict the voltage of the cell obtained.

[2 marks]

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 (e) State the pair of electrodes that will give the highest voltage reading.

[1 mark]

(f) If metals V and Y are used as electrodes, what is the voltage obtained?

[2 marks]

Q4

An experiment is carried out using the apparatus shown above. A piece of metal P is placed
into Q nitrate aqueous solution. Any change is then recorded. The experiment is then
repeated by placing metal P in R nitrate solution and S nitrate solution; followed by placing
metal R in S nitrate solution. The results of the experiment are tabulated below:

(a) Name the chemical reaction that takes place in test tube A.

[1 mark]
(b) If metals P, Q, R and S form divalent positive ions, write the half ionic equations for the
reactions that takes place in test tube A.
(i)
(ii)
[2 marks]
(c) State a hypothesis for the experiment above.

[1 mark]

(d) Arrange the metals P, Q, R and S in order of increasing electropositivity.

[1 mark]

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(e) Predict whether the reactions will take place if:
(i) Metal S is placed into R nitrate solution.

[1 mark]
(ii) Metal Q is placed into S nitrate solution.

[1 mark]

Paper 3

1. A pupil wanted to construct the electrochemical series. He measured the potential

difference of a few pairs of metals.

The set up of the apparatus of his experiment is shown in Figure 1.1.

Figure 1.1

Figure 1.2 shows the results obtained from the experiment after 30 minutes.

Figure 1.2

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(a) Describe the change that you would see in the copper(II) sulphate solution during
the experiment. [3]

(b) The pupil repeated the experiment by substituting the zinc metal with iron,
magnesium and lead. Each time he used copper metal as the negative electrode and fresh
copper(II) sulphate solution. The following table shows the voltmeter readings he obtained from the pairs of
metals.

Pair of metal
Experiment Reading of voltmeter/V
Negative electrode Positive electrode
I Zinc Copper 1.10
II Iron Copper 0.78
III Magnesium Copper 2.72
IV Lead Copper 0.45
Based on the above information, complete the following table.
Manipulated variable: Method to manipulated the variable:

Responding variable How to variable is responding:

Controlled variable: Method to maintain the controlled variable:

[6]
(c) State the hypothesis for this experiment. [3] [2/2005]

2. Diagram 2 shows several electrochemical cells with different voltages.

Identify the factor that influences the differences in the voltage. (Form 4, Chapter 6:
Electrochemistry)
Your planning should include the following:
(i) Statement of the problem
(ii) All the variables
(iii) Htpothesis
(iv) List of materials and apparatus
(v) Procedure
(vi) Tabulation of data
[17 marks]

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