HKDSE Chemistry

Part VII
Reduction
oxidization

Redox Reactions, Chemical Cells

and
Electrolysis

(Chapter 29)
Simple Chemical Cells

Name: _____________________________
Class: ___________________( )
Chapter 29: Simple Chemical Cells P.1 of 17

A. Introduction

⚫ Chemical cells are devices that convert chemical energy into electrical energy.

⚫ All chemical cells consist of the following components:

loses
➢ A negative electrode (anode) which electrons.
- Usually made of more reactive metals (Mg or Zn).
gains
➢ A positive electrode (cathode) which electrons.
- Usually made of less reactive metals (Cu or Ag) or graphite.
mobile ions
➢ An electrolyte solution which contains . NaSO4
- Salt solutions, acids, alkalis or fruit juices are electrolytes. battery does not conduct
electrons
- Pure alcohol, oil or glucose solutions are non-electrolytes.

⚫ Below diagram shows the set-up of a simple chemical cell: exo-> heat energy
voltage

1. +
2.-
3. electrolyte

electrode

Displacement
1.Mg dissolves
2. reddish-brown solid
3. blue to colorless
4. exothermic

⚫ Working principle of a simple chemical cell

➢ Electrons flow from the more reactive metal to the less reactive metal.

➢ More reactive metal (negative electrode) gives up its electrons to form positive ions.

M(s) ⎯
⎯→ Mn+(aq) + n e-

➢ The electrons flow along the wire to the less reactive metal.

➢ The electrons are taken by the metal ions (in the electrolyte) to form metal which would stick
on the less reactive metal (positive electrode).
Chapter 29: Simple Chemical Cells P.2 of 17

B. Examples of simple chemical cells

(I).
voltmeter

Working principle:

⚫ Magnesium atoms lose electrons to form magnesium ions.

[-] Negative electrode (Mg) : ____________________________________

Copper (II) Copper

⚫ ions near the copper strip gain electrons to form _________ atoms which
would stick on the copper strip.
[+] Positive electrode (Cu) : ___________________________________

Mg + Cu2+ -> Mg2+ + Cu(s)

⚫ Overall equation: _________________________________________________

Mg Cu
⚫ Electrons flow from the ________ strip to the __________ strip in the external circuit. The
opposite
current flow in an _____________ direction.

⚫ Observation:
Mg dissolves
1. ______________________________________________
Reddish brown solid deposit on the Mg
2. ______________________________________________
Blue solution turn pale/colourless
3. ______________________________________________
Chapter 29: Simple Chemical Cells P.3 of 17

(II).
voltmeter

H+ SO42-
OH-
Working principle:

⚫ Magnesium atoms lose electrons to form magnesium ions.

Mg(s) --> Mg2+(aq) + 2e-
[-] Negative electrode (Mg) : ____________________________________

H+
⚫ ions near the copper strip gain electrons to form hydrogen gas.
2H+ (aq) + 2e- --> H2(g)
[+] Positive electrode (Cu) : ___________________________________

⚫ Mg(s) + 2H+ = Mg2+ + H2(g)

Overall equation: _________________________________________________

⚫ Electrons flow from the ________ strip to the __________ strip in the external circuit. The
opposite
current flow in an _____________ direction.

⚫ Observation:
1. ______________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________
Chapter 29: Simple Chemical Cells P.4 of 17

(III).
voltmeter

Working principle:

⚫ Magnesium atoms lose electrons to form magnesium ions.

Mg -> Mg 2+ + 2e-
[-] Negative electrode (Mg) : ____________________________________

Silver silver
⚫ ions near the copper strip gain electrons to form _______ atoms which
would stick on the copper strip.
Ag+ +e- -> Ag (s)
[+] Positive electrode (Cu) : ___________________________________

Mg + 2Ag+ -> Mg2+ + 2Ag

⚫ Overall equation: _________________________________________________

Mg
Cu
⚫ Electrons flow from the ________ strip to the __________ strip in the external circuit. The
Opposite
current flow in an _____________ direction.

⚫ Observation:
Mg dissolves
1. ______________________________________________
Silvery solid deposits on Mg
2. ______________________________________________
Chapter 29: Simple Chemical Cells P.5 of 17

(IV).

voltmeter

Working principle:
half equation

Iron Iron (II)

⚫ atoms lose electrons to form _____________ ions.
Fe(s) --> Fe2+(aq) + 2e-
[-] Negative electrode (Fe) : ____________________________________

Cu2+ Cu
⚫ ions near the silver strip gain electrons to form _______ atoms which would
silver
stick on the _____________ strip.
Cu2+(aq) + 2e- --> Cu(s)
[+] Positive electrode (Ag) : ___________________________________

Fe(s) + Cu2+ (aq) --> Fe2+(aq) + Cu(s)

⚫ Overall equation: _________________________________________________

Fe Ag
⚫ Electrons flow from the ________ strip to the __________ strip in the external circuit. The
opposite
current flow in an _____________ direction.

⚫ Observation:
Fe dissolves
1. ______________________________________________
Reddish brown solid deposits on the silver strip
2. ______________________________________________
Blue solution will slowly turn to pale green
3. ______________________________________________
Chapter 29: Simple Chemical Cells P.6 of 17

(V).
voltmeter

cell
Working principle:

Zinc Zn2+
⚫ atoms lose electrons to form _____________ ions.
[-] Negative electrode (Zn) : Zn(s) --> Zn 2+ (aq) + 2e-
____________________________________

Pb2+
lead
⚫ ions near the graphite strip gain electrons to form _______ atoms which
graphite
would stick on the _____________ rod.
Pb2+(aq) +2e- --> Pb(s)
[+] Positive electrode (graphite) : ___________________________________

Zn(s) + Pb2+(aq) --> Zn2+(aq) + Pb(s)

⚫ Overall equation: _________________________________________________

Zn Pb
⚫ Electrons flow from the ________ strip to the __________ strip in the external circuit. The
opposite
current flow in an _____________ direction.

⚫ Observation:
Zn dissolves
1. ______________________________________________
Colourless solution form
2. ______________________________________________
Chapter 29: Simple Chemical Cells P.7 of 17

(VI).
voltmeter

Working principle:

Mg
⚫ Mg2+
atoms lose electrons to form _____________ ions.
[-] Negative electrode (Mg) : ____________________________________

⚫ Hydrogen ions near the platinum strip gain electrons to form hydrogen gas.
[+] Positive electrode (Pt) : ___________________________________

⚫ Overall equation: _________________________________________________

⚫ Electrons flow from the ________ strip to the __________ strip in the external circuit. The
current flow in an _____________ direction.

⚫ Observation:
1. ______________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________
Chapter 29: Simple Chemical Cells P.8 of 17

(VII). Special example of simple chemical cells

voltmeter

Displacement
metal + acid

Working principle:

⚫ Magnesium atoms lose electrons to form magnesium ions.

Mg(s) ---> Mg2+ + 2e-
[-] Negative electrode (Mg) : ____________________________________

Hydrogen Hydrogen
⚫ ions near the copper strip gain electrons to form ____________ gas.
2H+(aq) + 2e- --> H2(g)
[+] Positive electrode (Cu) : ___________________________________

Mg(s) + 2H+ --> Mg2+ + H2(g)

⚫ Overall equation: _________________________________________________

Mg Cu
⚫ Electrons flow from the ________ strip to the __________ strip in the external circuit. The
opposite
current flow in an _____________ direction.

⚫ Observation:
1. ______________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________

When two different metals are dipped into an electrolyte (solution containing mobile
ions), a chemical cell is formed. Two metals are connected by an external wire.
Chapter 29: Simple Chemical Cells P.9 of 17

C. Comparing the reactivity of different metals by using a simple chemical cell

⚫ Experimental set-up for measuring the voltages of chemical cells with different metal couples:

(Reference electrode)

⚫ The voltage of a chemical cell depends on which couple of metals it has as the electrodes:

⚫ The metal strip and copper sheet were first rubbed with sandpaper.
➢ It is to ensure any impurities (oxide) on the surface of the metal should be removed to
ensure better electrical conduction.

⚫ The filter paper was soaked with sodium chloride solution and put between the metal strip and the
copper sheet.

⚫ The tendency to form ions is different for different metals.

tendency
⚫ The greater the difference of the ______________ of the two metals to lose electrons (form ions),
the higher is the voltage of the cell.

Therefore, reactivity of different metals can be found by comparing the voltages of the cells.
Chapter 29: Simple Chemical Cells P.10 of 17

D. Electrochemical Series of Metals

cations
⚫ Metals can be arranged in order of their tendencies to form _________ (lose electrons).
electrochemical
This is called the _________________ series of metals (E.C.S).

⚫ The order of metals in the electrochemical

Na Ca
series is the same as that in the reactivity series.
(Except for the position of _______ & _______)

Less readily to
gain electrons

More readily to
gain electrons

~ EXAMPLE 1
A current flow through the external circuit of the chemical cell shown below:

a) Decide which electrode is the negative electrode of the cell.

b) What is the direction of electron flow in the external circuit?
c) Write an ionic half-equation for the process that occurs at
i) anode;
ii) cathode
d) Give TWO expected observations in the set-up.
Chapter 29: Simple Chemical Cells P.11 of 17

E. Improving simple chemical cells

⚫ The simple chemical cells mentioned above do not work efficiently.
The electric current eventually stops.

➢ The reason is that there is a direct transfer of electrons from the Mg electrode to the
___________________ in the solution. (not through the eternal circuit)
Cu2+(aq) + 2e- ⎯
⎯→ Cu(s)

➢ Hence magnesium is coated with the copper and magnesium can no longer dissolve.

➢ As a result, fewer and fewer electrons flow along the external wire.
➢ The voltage of the cell falls quite quickly and the electric current stops after a short time.
Chapter 29: Simple Chemical Cells P.12 of 17

To solve this problem, we can separate the cell into two half cells.

Method 1: By salt bridge.

⚫ A salt bridge is made by soaking a ____________________ with a stable ionic salt solution,
e.g. ____________potassium nitrate solution KNO3(aq).

⚫ Functions of a salt bridge are :

1. To the circuit by allowing ions (Mg2+ and SO42-) to move towards one
half- cell from the other.

2. To provide ions (K+ and NO3-) that can move into the half cells in order to prevent the
build-up of excess positively or negatively charged in the solutions which
would cause the reaction to ___________.
Chapter 29: Simple Chemical Cells P.13 of 17

Method 2: By porous pot

⚫ A porous pot is a device (semi-permeable membrane) with small holes to allow migration of ions.
⚫ Porous pot does not require a saturated electrolytic solution as in a salt bridge.

The Daniell Cell, developed in 1836

⚫ The porous pot serves two functions:

1. It completes the circuit by allowing ions to move between the two solutions through
its small holes.
2. It the two solutions and prevents the magnesium strip and copper(II)
sulphate solution from _________ reaction.

Note: A porous pot is different from a salt bridge.

It does not provide ions to balance excess charges in the solutions of the cell.
Chapter 29: Simple Chemical Cells P.14 of 17

~ EXAMPLE 2
A student learnt from a book that an ancient chemical cell could be made by immersing an iron rod in a
liquid placed inside a copper can. The liquid used was vinegar but not wine. The diagram below shows
the set-up designed by him in simulating the cell.

a) Explain, in terms of structure and property of particles, why the liquid inside the ancient chemical
cell was vinegar but not wine.

(2 marks)
b) The student found that the iron rod dissolved gradually, and colourless gas bubbles were given out
on the inner wall of the copper can.
i) Write a half equation, involving iron, for the reaction that occurred at the iron rod.

ii) Write a half equation for the reaction that occurred on the inner wall of the copper can.

(2 marks)
c) The student found that colourless gas bubbles were also given out at the surface of the iron rod
that immersed in vinegar. Explain the observation.

(1 mark)

(HKCEE 2007 I-Q4)

Chapter 29: Simple Chemical Cells P.15 of 17

~ EXAMPLE 3
1. Consider the experimental set-ups shown in the figures below:

In Figure 1, if the Cu is replaced by Y, which of the following statements is correct?

A. Chlorine gas will be evolved at Y.
B. A solid will be deposited on the surface of Y.
C. A greater magnitude of voltage will be recorded.
D. Electrons will flow from X to Y through the external circuit.
(HKCEE 2010 II-Q36)

2. In which of the following set-ups would the voltmeter display the greatest magnitude of voltage
reading?

(HKCEE 2010 II-Q9)

3. The set-up shows a chemical cell connected to a voltmeter:

In the set-up, electrons flow in such a direction that the concentration of Cu 2+(aq) ions in each half
cell becomes the same eventually.
Which of the following statements concerning the set-up is correct?
A. The salt bridge allows electrons to flow from one half cell to the other.
B. Oxidation occurs at Y.
C. Electrons flow from Y to X in the external circuit.
D. The mass of X will decrease but the mass of Y will increase.
(HKCEE 2006 II-Q40)
Chapter 29: Simple Chemical Cells P.16 of 17

Directions: Question 4 and 5 refer to the following diagram.

4. Which of the following observation can be made in the above set-up?

A. There is no observable change.
B. Gas bubbles appear on the zinc plate.
C. Gas bubbles appear on the copper plate.
D. The sulphuric acid gradually turns blue.
(HKCEE 2009 II-Q8)

5. What will occur when the circuit is closed?

A. Both metal plates gradually dissolve.
B. The sulphuric acid gradually turns blue.
C. The hydrogen ions in the solution are reduced to hydrogen gas.
D. Electrons flow from the copper plate to the zinc plate in the external circuit.
(HKCEE 2009 II-Q9)
Chapter 29: Simple Chemical Cells P.17 of 17

Chapter 29 Simple Chemical Cells

Students should learn Students should be able to

⚫ chemical cells consisting of: ⚫ describe and demonstrate how to build simple
i) two metal electrodes and an chemical cells using metal electrodes and
electrolyte electrolytes
ii) metal-metal ion half cells and ⚫ measure the voltage produced by a chemical
salt bridge/porous device cell
⚫ changes occurring at the ⚫ explain the problems associated with a simple
electrodes and electron flow in the chemical cell consisting of two metal
external circuit electrodes and an electrolyte
⚫ half equations and overall cell ⚫ explain the functions of a salt bridge/porous
equations device
⚫ describe and demonstrate how to build simple
chemical cells using metal-metal ion half cells
and salt bridges/porous devices
⚫ explain the differences in voltages produced in
chemical cells when different metal couples are
used as electrodes
⚫ write a half equation representing the reaction
at each half cell of a simple chemical cell
⚫ write overall equations for simple chemical
cells
⚫ predict the electron flow in the external circuit
and the chemical changes in the simple
chemical cells

Suggested Learning and Teaching Activities

⚫ Making simple chemical cells and measuring their voltages.
⚫ Writing ionic half equations.