HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)

Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

Chemistry: Chapter 32 Electrolysis

Combined Science (Chemistry Part): Chapter 32 Electrolysis

Structured questions

Sections 32.132.2
|!|CMELF0073200001|!| |!|CSELF0073200001|!|
The following diagram shows the electrolysis of molten lead(II) bromide using
graphite electrodes.

electrode A electrode B

molten lead(II) bromide

heat

(a) Explain why electrolysis occurs only when lead(II) bromide is heated. (1 mark)

(b) Write the half equations for the reactions taking place at electrode A and
electrode B respectively. (2 marks)

(c) Describe any observable changes at electrodes A and B respectively. (2 marks)

(d) Suggest ONE safety precaution for the experiment. (1 mark)

(e) Suggest ONE method to increase the rate of electrolysis. (1 mark)

##
(a) When molten, the ions become mobile and the circuit is complete. 1

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(b) At electrode A: 2Br(l)  Br2(g) + 2e 1

At electrode B: Pb2+(l) + 2e  Pb(l) 1
(c) Brown gas bubbles appear at electrode A. 1
Silvery-grey solid is deposited around electrode B. 1
(d) Perform the experiment in a fume cupboard. 1
(e) Increase the voltage of the d.c. source / use electrodes with larger surface
areas / move the electrodes closer together 1
___
7
##

Section 32.3
|!|CMELF0073200002|!| |!|CSELF0073200002|!|
The diagram below shows the electrolysis of dilute sulphuric acid using a Hofmann
voltameter.

gas X gas Y

dilute sulphuric acid

platinum electrode A platinum electrode B

(a) Write the formulae of the anions present in the solution. (2 marks)

(b) Suggest a chemical test for gas Y. (2 marks)

(c) State and explain which electrode is the negative electrode of the cell. (2 marks)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(d) Explain whether the platinum electrodes can be replaced by graphite electrodes.
(1 mark)

##
(a) OH 1
SO42 1
(b) Put a glowing splint into the test tube containing gas Y. 1
Gas Y (oxygen) relights the glowing splint. 1
(c) Platinum electrode A is the negative electrode of the cell. 1
Hydrogen ions are reduced at electrode A to give hydrogen. This implies
that electrode A is the negative electrode (cathode) of the electrolytic cell. 1
(d) The platinum electrodes cannot be replaced by graphite electrodes as
oxygen liberated at the anode may oxidize carbon to give carbon dioxide. 1
___
7
##

Section 32.4
|!|CMELF0073200003|!| |!|CSELF0073200003|!|
The diagram below shows the electrolysis of concentrated sodium chloride solution
with a few drops of litmus solution using graphite electrodes.

concentrated sodium chloride solution

with a few drops of litmus solution

electrode A electrode B

(a) With the aid of a half equation, name the gas collected at electrode A. (2 marks)

(b) With the aid of a half equation, name the gas collected at electrode B. (2 marks)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(c) (i) Predict the theoretical volume ratio of the two gases. (1 mark)

(ii) Explain why the actual volume ratio of the two gases is not the same as the
one in (c)(i). (1 mark)

(d) State the colour changes of the solutions around electrodes A and B during the
electrolysis. (2 marks)

##
(a) Chlorine 1
2Cl(aq)  Cl2(g) + 2e 1
(b) Hydrogen 1
2H+(aq) +2e  H2(g) 1
(c) (i) 1 : 1 1
(ii) The actual volume of chlorine collected would be smaller as
chlorine is quite soluble in water. 1
(d) The solution near electrode A turns red and then colourless. 1
The solution near electrode B turns blue. 1
___
8
##

|!|CMELH0073200004|!| |!|CSELH0073200004|!|
The diagram below shows the electrolysis of concentrated sodium chloride solution
using a mercury electrode and a graphite electrode.
 +
plastic-covered wire graphite electrode

water concentrated NaCl(aq)

bare platinum wire mercury

(a) (i) State and explain what substance would be obtained at the mercury
electrode. (2 marks)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(ii) Write a half equation for the reaction taking place at the mercury electrode.
(1 mark)

(b) (i) State and explain what substance would be obtained at the graphite
electrode. (2 marks)

(ii) Write a half equation for the reaction taking place at the graphite electrode.
(1 mark)

(c) Explain why water is added into the left arm of the tube. (1 mark)

(d) Name the substance that would be obtained at the negative electrode if the
mercury electrode is replaced by a graphite electrode. (1 mark)

##
(a) (i) Sodium would be obtained at the mercury electrode. 1
Na+(aq) ions are preferentially discharged to form sodium metal. 1
(ii) Na+(aq) + e  Na(s) 1
(b) (i) Chlorine gas could be obtained at the graphite electrode. 1
Since the concentration of Cl(aq) ions is much greater than that of
OH(aq), Cl(aq) ions are preferentially discharged to give chlorine
gas as the main product. 1
(ii) 2Cl(aq)  Cl2(g) + 2e 1
(c) To prevent the evaporation of mercury 1
(d) Hydrogen gas 1
___
8

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

##

|!|CMELH0073200005|!| |!|CSELH0073200005|!|
The diagram below shows the electrolysis of solution X using electrodes M and N.
After the electrolysis, hydrogen gas was collected at one electrode and chlorine gas
was collected at another electrode.

solution X

electrode M electrode N

(a) What is solution X? (1 mark)

(b) Suggest a material for making electrodes M and N. (1 mark)

(c) In the experiment, 10.0 cm3 of hydrogen gas was collected.

(i) At which electrode was hydrogen gas collected? (1 mark)

(ii) Write a half equation for the production of hydrogen gas. (1 mark)

(iii) Determine the theoretical volume of chlorine gas collected at another

electrode. Explain briefly. (2 marks)

(iv) Explain why the volume of chlorine gas collected was less than expected.
(1 mark)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

##
(a) Solution X is concentrated sodium chloride solution. 1
(b) Graphite 1
(c) (i) Electrode N 1
(ii) 2H+(aq) + 2e  H2(g) 1
(iii) The overall reaction is 2H+(aq) + 2Cl(aq)  H2(g) + Cl2(g).
Referring to the equation, the volume of H2(g) collected is equal to
the volume of Cl2(g) collected. 1
Hence, the theoretical volume of Cl2(g) collected is 10.0 cm3. 1
(iv) Chlorine gas is quite soluble in water. 1
___
7
##

|!|CMELF0073200006|!| |!|CSELF0073200006|!|
The diagram below shows the electrolysis of dilute sodium chloride solution using
graphite electrodes.
gas A gas B

dilute sodium chloride solution

with universal indicator

electrode X electrode Y

(a) State and explain what gas A is. (2 marks)

(b) (i) Write a half equation for the reaction occurred at electrode Y. (1 mark)

(ii) State and explain the colour change at electrode Y. (2 marks)

(c) State and explain the change in concentration of sodium chloride solution after
electrolysis. (2 marks)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

##
(a) Gas A is oxygen gas. 1
As OH(aq) is a stronger reducing agent than Cl (aq), OH(aq) ions are
preferentially discharged to form oxygen gas. 1
(b) (i) 2H+(aq) + 2e  H2(g) 1
(ii) The solution around electrode Y changes from green to blue. 1
As H+(aq) ions are discharged, there will be excess OH (aq) ions
around electrode Y. 1
(c) The concentration of sodium chloride solution increases. 1
During electrolysis, water is decomposed. The volume of water decreases
but the number of solute remains unchanged. 1
___
7
##

|!|CMELH0073200007|!| |!|CSELH0073200007|!|
The following diagram shows a piece of pH paper soaked with concentrated sodium
chloride solution on a glass slide. The paper is connected to a d.c. supply.
pH paper soaked in concentrated
glass slide sodium chloride solution

positive electrode negative electrode

(a) (i) Write a half equation for the reaction at the positive electrode. (1 mark)

(ii) State and explain any observable changes at the positive electrode. (2 marks)

(b) (i) Write a half equation for the reaction at the negative electrode. (1 mark)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(ii) State and explain any observable changes at the negative electrode. (2
marks)

(c) Explain whether platinum electrodes can be used in this experiment. (1 mark)

##
(a) (i) 2Cl(aq)  Cl2(g) + 2e 1
(ii) At the positive electrode, Cl(aq) ions are discharged to form Cl2(g). 1
Since chlorine water is acidic and bleaching, the pH paper near the
positive electrode turns red and then white. 1
(b) (i) 2H+(aq) + 2e  H2(g) 1
(ii) At the negative electrode, H+(aq) ions are discharged to form H2(g). 1
Since an excess of OH(aq) ions are present, the pH paper near the
negative electrode turns blue. 1
(c) Platinum electrodes should not be used as chlorine can attack platinum. 1
___
7
##

Section 32.5
|!|CMELH0073200008|!| |!|CSELH0073200008|!|
The diagram below shows the electrolysis of copper(II) sulphate solution using
graphite electrodes.

graphite electrode X graphite electrode Y

CuSO4(aq)

(a) (i) Write a half equation for the reaction occurring at electrode X. (1 mark)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(ii) State the observable changes at electrode X. (1 mark)

(b) State and explain the change of the solution after electrolysis. (2 marks)

(c) At electrode Y, 127.0 g of copper is deposited.

(i) Write a half equation for the reaction occurring at electrode Y. (1 mark)

(ii) If the same amount of electricity is applied to electrolyse concentrated silver

nitrate solution, calculate the mass of silver that can be obtained.
(Relative atomic masses: Cu = 63.5, Ag = 107.9) (3 marks)

##
(a) (i) 4OH(aq)  O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e 1
(ii) Colourless bubbles appear on the surface of electrode X. 1
(b) The blue colour of the solution becomes paler. 1
This is because the number of Cu2+(aq) ions decreases. 1
(c) (i) Cu2+(aq) + 2e  Cu(s) 1

(ii) Number of moles of Cu deposited = = 2.0 mol 1

Number of moles of electrons = 2 × 2.0 mol = 4.0 mol

Ag+(aq) + e  Ag(s)
∴ number of moles of silver obtained = 4.0 mol 1
Mass of silver obtained = 4.0 mol × 107.9 g mol1 = 431.6 g 1
___
8
##

Section 32.6

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

|!|CMELF0073200009|!| |!|CSELF0073200009|!|
In theory, 50.0 cm3 of hydrogen and 25.0 cm3 of oxygen can be collected at the two
platinum electrodes respectively during the electrolysis of dilute nitric acid.

(a) Write the half equations for the reactions occurring at the anode and the cathode
respectively. (2 marks)

(b) Explain why the theoretical volume ratio of hydrogen to oxygen is 2:1. (2 marks)

(c) Explain why the actual volume of oxygen collected is less than half of the
volume of hydrogen collected. (1 mark)

*(d) Pure water is a very poor conductor of electricity. However, dissolving nitrogen
dioxide in water can increase the electrical conductivity. Explain why. (4 marks)

##
(a) At the anode: 4OH(aq)  O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e 1
At the cathode: 2H+(aq) + 2e  H2(g) 1
(b) According to the equations in (a), when four moles of electrons pass
through the electrolytic cell, one mole of oxygen is liberated at the anode 1
and at the same time two moles of hydrogen are liberated at the cathode.
Hence, the theoretical volume ratio of hydrogen to oxygen is 2 : 1. 1
(c) Some oxygen dissolves in the water. 1
(d) - Water molecules ionize slightly to give H+(aq) and OH(aq) ions.

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

The concentration of mobile ions is very low and so it cannot

conduct electricity. 1
- However, nitrogen dioxide ionizes to give ions when dissolved in
water. 1
- The concentration of mobile ions in water increases and so the
electrical conductivity increases. 1
- Communication mark 1
___
9
##

|!|CMELH0073200010|!| |!|CSELH0073200010|!|
The following set-up can be used to electrolyse dilute copper(II) bromide solution.

graphite graphite
electrode A electrode B

Petri dish dilute CuBr2(aq)

(a) What happens to electrode A during electrolysis? Explain your answer with the
aid of a half equation. (3 marks)

(b) To monitor the changes occurring at electrode B, a student suggests adding a few
drops of phenolphthalein around electrode B.
(i) A colourless gas is liberated at electrode B. Write a half equation for the
reaction involved. (1 mark)

(ii) However, the student does not observe any colour change around electrode
B. Explain why. (2 marks)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(c) Explain why no colourless gas is liberated at electrode B when it is replaced with
a copper electrode. (1 mark)

##
(a) Reddish brown solid forms on electrode A. 1
As electrode A is the cathode, Cu2+(aq) is preferentially discharged on it. 1
Cu2+(aq) + 2e  Cu(s) 1
(b) (i) 4OH(aq)  O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e 1
(ii) Copper(II) bromide solution is blue in colour. Excess H +(aq) around
electrode B gives a colourless solution if phenolphthalein is present. 1
However, phenolphthalein is already colourless in neutral solution.
Hence, there is no colour change. 1
(c) As Cu(s) is a stronger reducing agent, it is preferentially discharged
instead of OH(aq). 1
___
7
##

|!|CMELH0073200011|!| |!|CSELH0073200011|!|
Fluorite is a mineral containing calcium fluoride. It is used to manufacture fluorine.

(a) Draw the electron diagram of calcium fluoride, showing electrons in the
outermost shells only. (1 mark)

(b) To manufacture fluorine, fluorite first reacts with dilute sulphuric acid to give
hydrogen fluoride. Write a chemical equation for the reaction involved. (1 mark)

(c) Hydrogen fluoride is then dissolved in potassium fluoride solution to give

potassium hydrogen difluoride (KHF2).

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

KF(aq) + HF(g)  K+[HF2](aq)

Finally, potassium hydrogen difluoride solution is electrolysed to give fluorine.
Hydrogen gas evolves at the anode.
(i) 1.2 mol of HF and 500 cm3 of 3.0 M KF are used to prepare the electrolyte
solution. 18.2 g of fluorine is collected at the cathode at the end of the
electrolysis. Calculate the percentage yield of the electrolysis.
(Relative atomic mass: F = 19.0) (3 marks)

(ii) Explain why the electrolysis of dilute hydrofluoric acid does not give
fluorine. (2 marks)

##
(a)

1
(b) CaF2(s) + H2SO4(aq)  CaSO4(s) + 2HF(g) 1

(c) (i) Number of moles of KF = 3.0 mol dm3 × dm3 = 1.5 mol

From the equation, mole ratio of KF : HF = 1:1, HF is the limiting

reagent.
∴ number of moles of KHF2 formed = 1.2 mol 1
1 mol of KHF2 electrolyses to give 1 mol of F2.
Theoretical mass of F2 = 1.2 mol × (19.0 × 2) g mol1 = 45.6 g 1

Percentage yield = × 100 % = 39.9% 1

(ii) Hydroxide ion is a stronger reducing agent than fluoride ion. 1

Hence, hydroxide ions are preferentially discharged to give oxygen.

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

Fluoride ions are not discharged. 1

___
7
##

|!|CMELH0073200012|!| |!|CSELH0073200012|!|
The following diagram shows two electrolytic cells connected in series. All electrodes
are made of graphite.

Y Z
W X

silver nitrate potassium sulphate

solution solution

(a) (i) Write a half equation for the reaction occurring at electrode W. (1 mark)

(ii) What would be observed at electrode X? (1 mark)

(iii) After electrolysis, a piece of iron is added to the resultant solution in the
beaker. State and explain what would be observed. (2 marks)

(b) (i) Which electrode in the U-tube is the anode? (1 mark)

(ii) Colourless gas bubbles evolve in both electrodes in the U-tube. Compare
and explain the rates of evolution of gas at the two electrodes. (2 marks)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

##
(a) (i) 4OH(aq)  O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e 1
(ii) Silvery solid is deposited on the electrode. 1
(iii) Colourless gas bubbles evolve / the piece of iron dissolves. 1
The resultant solution after electrolysis is acidic as OH(aq) ions are
discharged. Hydrogen ions react with iron to give hydrogen gas. 1
(b) (i) Electrode Y 1
(ii) One mole of oxygen evolves at electrode Y while two moles of
hydrogen evolve at electrode X. 1
As less gas evolves at electrode Y in the same time interval, the rate
of evolution of gas at electrode Y is lower than that at electrode X. 1
___
7
##

|!|CMELF0073200013|!| |!|CSELF0073200013|!|
In the following experiment, P and Q are carbon electrodes while R and S are
platinum electrodes. After some time, metal M is deposited at electrode S.
battery

P Q

R S
saturated sodium
chloride solution MNO3 solution

(a) (i) State the polarity of electrode P. (1 mark)

(ii) Hence, state the direction of electron flow in the external circuit. (1 mark)

(b) With the aid of a half equation, name the product at electrode R. (2 marks)

(c) With the aid of a half equation, state what would be observed at electrode P.

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(2 marks)

(d) If the variable resistor is adjusted so that the current of the cells increases, what
would be observed at electrode Q? (1 mark)

##
(a) (i) Electrode P is the positive electrode. 1
(ii) From electrode P to S 1
(b) Oxygen 1
4OH(aq)  O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e 1
(c) Pale yellowish green gas evolves. 1
2Cl(aq)  Cl2(g) + 2e 1
(d) The evolution of gas bubbles would be faster. 1
___
7
##

|!|CMELA0073200014|!| |!|CSELA0073200014|!|
Consider the following set-up. When the circuit is closed, oxygen gas is collected in
device C.

graphite
copper graphite graphite
metal X salt bridge silver

potassium nitrate acidified potassium iron(II) nitrate copper(II) sulphate

solution permanganate solution solution solution

device A device B device C

(a) State the direction of electron flow in the external circuit. Explain your answer

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

with the aid of a half equation. (2 marks)

(b) Suggest what metal X could be. (1 mark)

(c) State and explain whether the electrode in acidified potassium permanganate
solution is the anode or the cathode. (2 marks)

(d) With the aid of a half equation, state the observable change at the silver electrode
in device C. (2 marks)

(e) If the sizes of the electrodes in device A increase, will the rate of production of
oxygen increase accordingly? Explain. (1 mark)

##
(a) Oxygen forms in device C through the oxidation of hydroxide ion:
4OH(aq)  O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e 1
Hence, electron flows from the carbon electrode of device C to electrode
X of device A in the external circuit. 1
(b) Silver / gold / platinum 1
(c) It is the cathode. 1
Acidified potassium permanganate solution undergoes reduction / copper
electrode in device A loses electrons, which flows to the electrode in
acidified potassium permanganate solution. 1
(d) Reddish brown solid deposits on the surface of silver electrode. 1
Cu2+(aq) + 2e  Cu(s) 1

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(e) The rate of oxygen production will increase. When larger electrodes are
used, the surface area for oxidation and reduction to occur will be larger. 1
___
8
##

Section 32.7
|!|CMELF0073200015|!| |!|CSELF0073200015|!|
Aluminium is extracted by electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide, which is obtained
by refining the ore, bauxite. The diagram below shows the electrolysis of molten
aluminium oxide dissolved in cryolite using graphite electrodes.

positive electrodes

negative electrode
molten aluminium
oxide and cryolite
molten aluminium

(a) Suggest why aluminium is NOT extracted by electrolysis of the solution of

bauxite. (1 mark)

(b) Write half equations for the reactions taking place at the positive electrode and
negative electrode respectively. (2 marks)

(c) Explain why the positive electrodes must be replaced regularly. (2 marks)

(d) Suggest why cryolite is added to aluminium oxide before electrolysis. (2 marks)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(e) Explain why iron is NOT extracted from its ore by electrolysis. (1 mark)

##
(a) Aluminium oxide is insoluble in water. 1
(b) At the positive electrode: 2O2(l)  O2(g) + 4e 1
At the negative electrode: Al3+(l) + 3e  Al(l) 1
(c) At the positive electrodes, oxygen released reacts with the graphite
electrodes to give carbon dioxide. 1
Hence, the graphite electrodes are consumed in the process. 1
(d) Aluminium oxide has a very high melting point. 1
Cryolite is added to lower the melting temperature of aluminium oxide
and hence reduces the energy consumption. 1
(e) The cost for extraction of iron from its ore by electrolysis is very high. 1
___
8
##

|!|CMELF0073200016|!| |!|CSELF0073200016|!|
Electroplating is one of the useful applications of electrolysis in industry.

(a) State TWO plating metals commonly used for electroplating. (2 marks)

(b) Suggest ONE reason why the objects are gold-plated. (1 mark)

(c) Explain why electroplating should be carried out slowly. (1 mark)

(d) Electroplating of silver on an iron ring was carried out by a student.

(i) State the substance that made the cathode. (1 mark)

(ii) Explain if silver sulphate can be used as the electrolyte. (1 mark)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

##
(a) Any TWO:
Copper / tin / chromium / nickel / silver / gold 2
(b) Gold-plated can increase the corrosion resistance / improve appearance of
the plated objects. 1
(c) The plating metal is deposited slowly on the metal object in order to
obtain a smooth and firm deposit. 1
(d) (i) The iron ring 1
(ii) Silver sulphate cannot be used as the electrolyte as it is insoluble in
water. 1
___
6
##

|!|CMELF0073200017|!| |!|CSELF0073200017|!|
A student tried to make a copper-coated key by using the following set-up. The
impure copper rod contains copper, zinc and silver.

impure copper
rod
key

copper(II) sulphate
solution

(a) Suggest ONE mistake in the above set-up. Explain briefly. (3 marks)

(b) Insoluble impurities sink to the bottom of the electrolytic cell. Suggest a metal
that can be found in the impurities. Explain briefly. (2 marks)

(c) The student stated that the key would be coated with zinc if the impure copper
rod is replaced by a pure zinc rod. Comment on the statement. (2 marks)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

##
(a) The position of the key and the impure copper rod is reversed. 1
The impure copper rod should be made the anode so that copper electrode
dissolves to form copper(II) ions. 1
The key should be made the cathode so that copper(II) ions are
discharged and copper deposits on the key. 1
(b) Silver. 1
It is less reactive than copper and so it will not dissolve to form ions. 1
(c) The statement is incorrect. At the anode, zinc dissolves to give zinc ions. 1
However, at the cathode (the key), copper(II) ions in the electrolyte are
preferentially discharged. The key will only be coated by zinc when all
the copper(II) ions are consumed. 1
___
7
##

|!|CMELF0073200018|!| |!|CSELF0073200018|!|
To prepare 0.2 M silver nitrate solution, a student added excess silver to a beaker
containing concentrated nitric acid. Then he stirred the reaction mixture with a copper
rod until no more silver dissolved. The excess silver was removed by filtration. He
finally diluted the filtrate with distilled water.

(a) (i) Write the chemical equation for the reaction between silver and
concentrated nitric acid. (1 mark)

(ii) State a mistake in preparing the silver nitrate solution and suggest how it
affected the molarity of the solution prepared. (2 marks)

(b) Draw a labelled diagram for the set-up used to remove excess silver. (2 marks)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(c) The student used the prepared silver nitrate solution to purify an impure silver
sample by electrolysis.
(i) Which substance, the impure silver sample or a pure silver rod, should be
connected to the negative terminal of the power supply? (1 mark)

(ii) The impure silver sample contained platinum and zinc. Explain why they
were not ‘transferred’ to the pure silver rod. (2 marks)

##
(a) (i) Ag(s) + 2HNO3(aq) → AgNO3(aq) + NO2(g) + H2O(l) 1
(ii) Displacement reaction occurs when stirring the reaction mixture
with a copper rod. 1
The molarity of the silver nitrate solution will be lower than 0.2 M. 1
(b)

glass rod
reaction mixture

excess silver

filtrate

Correct drawing 1

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

Correct labels 1
(c) (i) Pure silver rod 1
(ii) At the anode, zinc loses electrons to form zinc ions. Zinc ion, which
is a weaker oxidizing agent than silver(I) ion, will not be discharged
at the cathode. 1
Platinum is not oxidized and sinks to the bottom of the cell. 1
___
8
##

|!|CMELF0073200019|!| |!|CSELF0073200019|!|
The diagram below shows the refining of copper by electrolysis.

impure copper pure copper

electrode electrode

copper(II) sulphate
solution

(a) Explain why copper(II) sulphate solution can conduct electricity. (1 mark)

(b) State and explain which species are preferentially discharged at the anode and
the cathode respectively. (2 marks)

(c) Explain whether there is any change in colour intensity of the copper(II) sulphate
solution. (2 marks)

(d) State TWO observable changes that can be made if the impure copper electrode
is replaced by a graphite electrode. (2 marks)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

##
(a) It can conduct electricity because it contains mobile ions. 1
(b) At the anode, copper is preferentially discharged as copper is a stronger
reducing agent than hydroxide ion. 1
At the cathode, copper(II) ion is preferentially discharged as copper(II)
ion is a stronger oxidizing agent than hydrogen ion. 1
(c) The colour intensity of the copper(II) sulphate solution decreases. 1
Impurities like zinc and iron form ions more readily than copper at the
anode while copper(II) ions are always preferentially discharged at the
cathode. Hence, the amount of Cu2+(aq) decreases. 1
(d) Some colourless gas bubbles would be observed at the graphite electrode. 1
The blue colour of the solution would become paler. 1
___
7
##

|!|CMELH0073200020|!| |!|CSELH0073200020|!|
A student prepared a chemical cell as shown below. He used zinc and lead as
electrodes and potassium nitrate solution as the electrolyte.
electron flow
electrode X electrode Y

KNO3(aq)

(a) (i) Identify the zinc electrode of the above cell. Explain your answer. (2 marks)

(ii) Write a half equation for the reaction at the zinc electrode. (1 mark)

(iii) State any observable change at the lead electrode. (1 mark)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(b) The student used the above chemical cell to purify copper. The diagram below
shows the experimental set-up for purifying copper.
electrode Y electrode A

electrode X electrode B

KNO3(aq) CuSO4(aq)

(i) At which electrode does copper forms? Explain your answer. (2 marks)

(ii) Explain if there is any change in the colour intensity of the copper(II)
sulphate solution. (2 marks)

##
(a) (i) Electrode X is the zinc electrode. 1
Since zinc is more reactive than lead, it loses electrons more readily. 1
(ii) Zn(s)  Zn2+(aq) + 2e 1
(iii) Colourless gas bubbles appear around the lead electrode. 1
(b) (i) Copper forms on electrode B. 1
Electrode X loses electrons, which flows to electrode B. Copper(II)
ions are discharged to form copper. 1
(ii) The solution will become paler. 1
At the anode, the metal impurities which are more reactive than
copper form ions more readily. At the cathode, Cu2+(aq) ions are
always preferentially discharged. Thus, the concentration of Cu 2+(aq)
ions decreases. 1
___

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

8
##

Section 32.8
|!|CMELF0073200021|!| |!|CSELF0073200021|!|
Electroplating is a process to plate one metal with a thin layer of another metal by
electrolysis.

(a) State ONE reason for electroplating a metal object. (1 mark)

(b) Draw a labelled set-up for electroplating copper on a metal button. (3 marks)

(c) Effluents from electroplating factories contain heavy metal ions. Suggest TWO
reasons for removing them from the effluents. (2 marks)

##
(a) To protect against corrosion / improve appearance 1
(b)

copper rod

metal button

copper(II) sulphate
solution

Correctly making the metal button as the cathode 1

Correctly making copper as the anode 1

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

Correctly using an electrolyte containing copper(II) ions 1

(c) Heavy metal ions are harmful to aquatic life and human. 1
Metal ions can be recovered for direct reuse. 1
___
6
##

|!|CMELF0073200022|!| |!|CSELF0073200022|!|
Electroplating is an important industrial process. However, electroplating factories
produce liquid wastes containing harmful substances. If these liquid wastes are
discharged improperly, it will cause serious water pollution.

(a) Suggest TWO harmful substances produced by electroplating. (2 marks)

(b) Suggest TWO potential problems associated with the improper discharge of
liquid wastes. (2 marks)

(c) Suggest TWO ways to reduce pollution from electroplating factories. (2 marks)

##
(a) Any TWO:
Acids / alkalis / compounds of heavy metals / cyanides 2
(b) Acids and alkalis change the pH of the water and affect the normal
activities of the aquatic life. 1
The liquid wastes can cause health hazards to humans because of eating
contaminated seafood. 1
(c) Any TWO:
Remove heavy metal ions in liquid wastes by precipitation / neutralize the
acidic effluents with sodium carbonate or slaked lime before discharge /
neutralizing the alkaline effluents with sulphuric acid before discharge. 2
___
6

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

##

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 32