Chemistry HKCEE Past Paper Chemical cells and electrolysis P1/13

Section 5: Chemical Cells and Electrolysis

1.

When the circuit in the set-up shown above is closed, the acidified potassium permanganate solution

loses its colour gradually.

(i) Write a half equation for the reaction that occurs in the acidified potassium permanganate

solution. Explain whether the permanganate ion is oxidized or reduced.

(ii) What would be observed in the potassium iodide solution after some time? Write a half equation

for the reaction that would occur.

(iii) Identify the direction of election flow in the external circuit.

(iv) Write an ionic equation for the reaction that occurs when an acidified potassium permanganate

solution and a potassium iodide solution are mixed together.

(v) (1) What is the function of the salt bridge in the set-up?

(2) Explain whether a sodium sulphite solution can be used instead of a potassium nitrate solution

in the salt bridge.

(8 marks)

[1995-CE-9b]

2. The table below lists the oxidation number of iron in two compounds:

Compound Iron(II) sulphate Iron(III) sulphate

Oxidation number +2 +3

(i) (1) What would be observed when sodium hydroxide solution is added to iron(II) sulphate
 Chemistry HKCEE Past Paper Chemical cells and electrolysis P2/13

solution? Write an ionic equation for the reaction involved.

(2) Explain whether this reaction is a redox reaction.

(ii) When iron(II) sulphate solution is mixed with dilute sulphuric acid and a small amount of a

purple solution, a reaction occurs and the oxidation number of iron changes from +2 to +3.

(1) Suggest what the purple solution may be.

(2) What would be observed in this reaction? Write an ionic equation for the reaction involved.

(iii) When iron(II) sulphate solution reacts with an element X, the oxidation number of iron changes

from +2 to 0.

(1) Suggest what X may be.

(2) What would be observed in this reaction? Explain whether iron(II) sulphate solution acts as a

reducing agent or an oxidizing agent in this reaction. (10 marks)

[1996-CE-6a]

3. A student carried out a copper-plating experiment in the laboratory using the set-up shown below:

i. Explain why copper(II) sulphate solution can conduct electricity.

ii. What would be observed at the carbon anode during the experiment? Write a half equation for the
 Chemistry HKCEE Past Paper Chemical cells and electrolysis P3/13

reaction involved.

iii. In the copper-plating industry, a metal is used as the anode instead of carbon. What is this metal?

Explain your answer.

iv. In a copper-plating factory, the waste water is treated with sodium hydroxide solution to remove the

copper(II) ions present before discharge.

1. Suggest TWO reasons why it is necessary to remove the copper (II) ions from the waste water

before discharge.

2. 20.0 dm3 of a sample of waste water require 3.5 dm3 of 8.0 M sodium hydroxide solution for

complete removal of the copper(II) ions present.

Calculate the concentration, in mol dm-3, of copper(II) ions in the sample. (10 marks)

[1996-CE-9b]

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)

[1997-CE-4]

5. 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.

 Chemistry HKCEE Past Paper Chemical cells and electrolysis P4/13

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

(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)

[1997-CE-8b]

6. 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:

 Chemistry HKCEE Past Paper Chemical cells and electrolysis P5/13

The results of the experiment are tabulated below :

Electrochemical cell Direction of electron flow in the external circuit

formed by connecting half-cells A and C Y to Cu
formed by connecting half-cells B and C X to Y

(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 addition instrument to determine the direction of electron flow in the

external circuit.

(1) What instrument did the student use ?

(2) Draw a labelled diagram to show the set-up for the experiment, using 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. (9 marks)

[1997-CE-9b]

7. The table below includes some information about three types of dry cells. The voltage of each type of cell is

1.5 V.
Type Voltage over Price per cell / $ Shelf life / years Life/minutes
discharge

Zinc-carbon cell falls quite rapidly 2.5 1.5 70

(AA size)
Alkaline remains steady 5.0 3 90
manganese cell
(AA size)
Silver oxide cell remains steady 8.0 2 30
(button type)

(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 of $49.90. Assuming that
 Chemistry HKCEE Past Paper Chemical cells and electrolysis P6/13

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) + 2 OH- (aq) ------> ZnO (s) + H2O (l) + 2e-

B: Ag2O (s) + H2O (l) + 2e- ----> 2Ag (s) + 2 OH- (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)

[1998-CE-6b]

8. Each of the following experiments produces a sodium hydroxide solution.

 Chemistry HKCEE Past Paper Chemical cells and electrolysis P7/13

(i) What would be observed when a small piece of sodium is added to water?

(ii) Explain whether experiment I or experiment II is preferred for preparing a sodium hydroxide

solution.

(iii) During the electrolysis of brine, chlorine and hydrogen are liberated at the anode and cathode

respectively. A sodium hydroxide solution remains in the electrolytic cell after some time.

(1) Explain why hydrogen, instead of sodium, is liberated at the cathode.

(2) Suppose that 50.0 cm' of hydrogen is liberated at the cathode at room temperature and

pressure. Deduce the theoretical volume of chlorine liberated at the anode under the same

conditions.

(3) Explain why a sodium hydroxide solution remains in the electrolytic cell.

(iv) Draw a labelled diagram to show the laboratory set-up for the electrolysis of brine and the

collection of the gaseous products.

(10 marks)

[1998-CE-9b]

9. 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 electron 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.
 Chemistry HKCEE Past Paper Chemical cells and electrolysis P8/13

(1) Explain why a little sulphuric acid has been added to the water used.

(2) Suggest a suitable material for the electrodes.

(3) Write the half-equation for the formation of oxygen.

(4) Suggest a chemical test for each product obtained in the electrolysis.

(8 marks)

[1999-CE-6a]

10. The diagram below shows the longitudinal section of a zinc-carbon cell.
 Chemistry HKCEE Past Paper Chemical cells and electrolysis P9/13

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. 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

NiO2 + H2O  Ni(OH)2 + OH-

(9 marks)

[1999-CE-8a]

11. The flow diagram below shows the stages involved in the extraction of zinc from zinc blende, ZnS.

Zinc Stage I Zinc Stage II Zinc Stage III zinc

blende oxide sulphat
e
Roasting solutio Electrolysis
n

i. The reaction in Stage I gives, apart from zinc oxide, a gaseous product.
(1) Write the chemical equation for the reaction.
(2) Give ONE industrial use of the gaseous product.
ii. Suggest how zinc oxide can be converted to zinc sulphate solution in Stage II.
iii. The zinc sulphate solution obtained contains ions of other metals. During the electrolysis in Stage III,
zinc metal is liberated at one of the electrodes.
 Chemistry HKCEE Past Paper Chemical cells and electrolysis P10/13

(1) Suggest ONE way to remove ions of metals which are less reactive than zinc from the zinc
sulphate solution before electrolysis.
(2) Why is it not necessary to remove ions of metals which are more reactive than zinc from the
solution?
(3) Write half equations for the reactions occurring at the anode and cathode during the
electrolysis.
iv. Give ONE use of zinc in daily life.
(8 marks)

[2000-CE-6a]

12. A student used the set-up shown below to prepare hydrogen and chlorine by electrolysis of a very dilute
sodium chloride solution. Contrary to the student’s expectation, a colourless gas X instead of chlorine was
liberated at the anode.

i. What is X?
ii. Suggest a chemical test for X.
(2 marks)
[2001-CE-9a]

13. The experiment in (a) was then modified so that hydrogen and chlorine were produced at the cathode and

anode respectively.

i. Suggest how the experiment could be modified.

 Chemistry HKCEE Past Paper Chemical cells and electrolysis P11/13

ii. Deduce the ratio of the theoretical volumes of hydrogen and chlorine produced.

iii. With the help of chemical equation, explain why the volume of chlorine collected is significantly smaller than

the theoretical volume.

(6 marks)
[2001-CE-9b]

14. Using the electrolysis of copper(II) chloride solution as an example, briefly discuss the factors affecting the

discharge of ions in electrolysis.

(9 marks)

[2002-CE-4]

15. Ammonia reacts with copper(II) oxide upon heating. The products are nitrogen, copper and water.

i. State whether or not the reaction is a redox. Explain your answer in terms of oxidation number

change.

ii. Write the chemical equation for the reaction of ammonia with copper(II) oxide.

(3 marks)

[2003-CE-6c]

16. The set-up shown below is used to investigate the electrical conductivity of lead(II) bromide.
 Chemistry HKCEE Past Paper Chemical cells and electrolysis P12/13

When the lead(II) bromide becomes molten, the bulb lights up.

i. What would be observed at electrode X? Write the half equation for the reaction involved.

ii. State ONE potential hazard when carrying out the experiment.

iii. State what will, happen to the bulb when heating is stopped and the molten lead(II)

bromide is allowed to cool down gradually to room temperature. Explain your answer.

(6 marks)

[2003-CE-7a]

17. The diagram below shows a sodium-sulphur cell connected to an external circuit. This cell operates at a

high temperature of about 370°C, which is above the melting points of sodium and sulphur.
 Chemistry HKCEE Past Paper Chemical cells and electrolysis P13/13

i. State and explain the direction of electron flow in the external circuit when the cell is discharged.

Write half equations for the reactions at electrodes A and B.

ii. Suggest TWO functions of the porous device.

iii. Suggest why it is necessary for the cell to operate at a high temperature.

iv. Sodium-sulphur cells are rechargeable and are used in power stations to reduce the wastage of

electricity generated. Suggest why these cells can be used to reduce the wastage of electricity.

(8 marks)

[2003-CE-9a]

18. (a) Suggest how iodine tincture can be prepared in a school laboratory.

(b) A student spilt some iodine tincture on his laboratory coat. His classmate suggested the following two

methods to remove the iodine stain from the laboratory coat:

(1) treating the stain with sodium sulphite solution

(2) treating the stain with 1,1,1–trichloroethane

 Chemistry HKCEE Past Paper Chemical cells and electrolysis P14/13

State the principle underlying each method. Decide and explain which method is better. (5 marks)

[2004-CE-3]

19. Water (H2O) is an oxide of hydrogen. Electrolysis of water in the presence of sulphuric acid gives hydrogen

and oxygen in a volume ratio of 2:1.

(i) Suggest suitable electrodes to be used in the electrolysis.

(ii) Write the half equation for the reaction at the cathode and that at the anode during the

electrolysis.

(iii) What is the function of sulphuric acid in the electrolysis?

(iv) Is it possible to deduce the formula of water from the results of the electrolysis? Explain your

answer.

(6 marks)

[2004-CE-6a]

20. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is another oxide of hydrogen.

(i) What is the oxidation number of oxygen in hydrogen peroxide?

(ii) Draw the electronic diagram of a molecule of hydrogen peroxide, showing electrons in the

outermost shells only.

(iii) In the presence of a dilute acid, hydrogen peroxide oxidises iron(II) ions and it is reduced to

water.

(1) Write the half equation for the reduction of hydrogen peroxide.

(2) State the expected observation and write a chemical equation for the reaction involved.

(5 marks)

[2004-CE-6b]
 Chemistry HKCEE Past Paper Chemical cells and electrolysis P15/13

21. Professor J. F. Daniell invented the Daniell cell in 1836. It was one of the first cells to give a steady voltage

over a long period of time.

The above diagram shows a Daniell cell connected to a voltmeter.

(a) Mark on the diagram the direction of electron flow in the external circuit.

(b) Write ionic half equations for the reactions occurring at positive and negative poles of the cell

(i) positive pole

(ii) negative pole

(c) Why is a porous pot used?

(d) Will the polarity of the cell be affected if the copper can is replaced by an aluminium can and copper(II)

sulphate solution by an aluminium sulphate solution? Explain your answer. (6 marks)

[2005-CE-S-5]

22. Briefly describe how you would conduct an experiment to refine a piece of impure copper plate by

electrolysis. Explain the chemistry involved.

(9 marks)

[2005-CE-S-13]