Chem I / Section 3 : Chemical Cells and Elecdtrolysis

Prepared by Chemistry Department – QUEEN’S COLLEGE

97 4
Briefly describe how you would conduct an experiment, using the materials
and apparatus listed below, to nickel-plate a clean metal spoon. (Diagrams
are NOT required.) State the expected observation of the experiment.
a clean metal spoon, a nickel plate, nickel(II) sulphate crystals, a large
beaker of distilled water, a d.c. power supply and connecting wires
(8 marks)
dichromate.
(2) State the condition(s) under which the compound reacts with
potassium dichromate.
(3) What product is formed from the compound in the redox reaction ?
(iii) In the presence of a dilute acid, chromium(II) ions react with
atmospheric oxygen to form chromium(III) ions and water.

97 8b
Read the following paragraph concerning chromium and answer the
questions that follow:
The Greek word "chroma" means colour. Many
chromium-containing compounds and chromium containing
gemstones are beautifully coloured. The oxidation number of
chromium in its compounds can be +2, +3 and +6.
(1) Write the half equation for the formation of chromium(III) ions.
(2) Write the half equation for the formation of water.
(3) Write the overall equation for the reaction.
(iv) Suggest TWO ways in which chromium can be used to prevent the
corrosion of iron.
(9 marks)

(i) Jade, a green-coloured gemstone, is chromium containing. Suggest what

chromium ion present in jade is responsible for its green colour.
(ii) Potassium dichromate is an oxidizing agent. The oxidation number of
chromium in potassium dichromate is +6.

(1) Name ONE compound which can be oxidized by potassium

Chem I / Section 3 : Chemical Cells and Elecdtrolysis
Prepared by Chemistry Department – QUEEN’S COLLEGE

97 9b
X and Y are different metals. A student studied the reactivity of X, Y and
copper by setting up two electrochemical cells using the following materials
and apparatus. The results of the experiment are tabulated below:
(2) Draw a labeled diagram to show the set-up for the experiment, use
half-cells A and C.
(iv) Arrange X, Y and copper in the order of increasing reactivity. Explain
your answer.
(v) What would be observed when a piece of copper foil is immersed in an
aqueous solution containing 1 mol dm-3 of Y2+ ions? Explain your
answer.

98 6b
The table below includes some information about three types of dry cells.
The voltage of each type of cell is 1.5 V.

Voltage over Price per Shelf life Life

Type
discharge cell/$ /year /minutes
Zinc–carbon cell falls quite
2.5 1.5 70
(AA size) rapidly
Direction of electron flow in the Alkaline
Electrochemical cell manganese cell remains steady 5.0 3 90
external circuit
formed by connecting half–cells A (AA size)
Y to Cu
and C Silver oxide cell
formed by connecting half–cells B remains steady 8.0 2 30
X to Y (Button type)
and C

(i) What is the meaning of the term ‘saturated solution’?
(ii) Explain the use of the strips of filter paper in the experiment.
(iii) The student had to use an additional instrument to determine the
direction of electron flow in the external circuit.
(1) What instrument did the student use ?
(The life of a cell has been determined from its use in a test with a motorized
toy.)
(i) Decide and explain which type of cell should be used in a small
CD-player (Discman).
(ii) A package of 24 zinc-carbon cells is now being offered at a special price
Chem I / Section 3 : Chemical Cells and Elecdtrolysis
Prepared by Chemistry Department – QUEEN’S COLLEGE
of $49.90. Assuming that your radio consumes one zinc-carbon cell per
month, would you buy a package of these specially-priced cells for the
use of your radio ? Explain your answer.
(iii) The half-equations below show the changes at the two electrodes, A and
B, of a silver oxide cell during discharge:
A: Zn(s) + 2OH– (aq) → ZnO(s) + H2 O(l) + 2e–
B: Ag2 O(s) + H2 O(l) + 2e– → 2Ag(s) + 2OH– (aq)
(1) Decide and explain which electrode, A or B, is the anode.
(2) Write the overall equation for the reaction that would occur in the
cell during discharge.
(iv) The following information was found on the packaging of a brand of
zinc-carbon cells:
Caution: 1. Do not dispose of used cells in fire.
2. Remove cells when not in use for
prolonged periods.
(1) Explain why used cells should not be disposed of in fire.
(2) Explain why the cells should be removed when not in use for
prolonged periods.
(9 marks)
99 6a
Water is a compound of hydrogen and oxygen. Under suitable conditions,
80.0 cm3 of hydrogen and 60.0 cm3 of oxygen (with one of the reactants in
excess) react to give water. The volumes of both gases are measured at room
temperature and pressure.
(i) Draw the electronic diagram of water, showing electrons in the
outermost shells only.
(ii) Assume that the two gases undergo complete reaction. Deduce the
volume of the remaining gas, measured at room temperature and
pressure, at the end of the reaction.
(iii) Water can be decomposed by electrolysis with the following set-up to
give hydrogen and oxygen.
Explain why a little sulphuric acid has been added to the water used.
(1) Suggest a suitable material for the electrodes.
(2) Write the half-equation for the formation of oxygen.
(3) Suggest a chemical test for each product obtained in the electrolysis.
(8 marks)
Chem I / Section 3 : Chemical Cells and Elecdtrolysis
Prepared by Chemistry Department – QUEEN’S COLLEGE

99 8a
The diagram below shows the longitudinal section of a zinc-carbon cell.

(i) Write a half-equation for the reaction that occurs at the zinc case of the
cell during discharge.
(ii) State the function of following substances in a zinc-carbon cell.
(1) carbon rod
(2) manganese(IV) oxide
(iii) Suggest a chemical test to show the presence of ammonium ions in the
moist paste of ammonium chloride.
(iv) Explain whether you agree with the following statement.

‘Zinc-carbon cells cause more environmental

problems than nickel-cadmium cells do.’
(v) Complete and balance the following half-equations for the reactions that
occur at the electrodes of a nickel-cadmium cell.

Cd + OH– → Cd(OH)2
NiO 2 + H2 O → Ni(OH)2 + OH– (9 marks)