CHAPTER – 6 ELECTROLYSIS

1. Fill in the blanks:

(a) Powdered sodium chloride (common salt) does not conduct an electric
current, but it does so when ____ or when _____.

Ans: Powdered sodium chloride (common salt) does not conduct an electric
current, but it does so when electrolyte or when melted .

(b) Molten lead bromide conducts electricity. It is called an____. It is composed of

lead ____ and bromide _____. The lead ions are ____charged and are called_____. The
bromide ____ are _____ charged and are called ______.

Ans: Molten lead bromide conducts electricity. It is called an electrolyte. It is

composed of lead ions and bromide ions. The lead ions are positively charged
and are called cations. The bromide ions are negatively charged and are called
anions.

(c) Substances which conduct electricity in the solid state are generally ______.

Ans: Substances which conduct electricity in the solid state are generally metals.

(d) The electron releasing tendency of zinc is _____than that of copper.

Ans: The electron releasing tendency of zinc is more than that of copper.

(e) A solution of HCl gas in water conducts electricity because _____, but a
solution of HCl gas in toluene does not conduct an electric current because_____.

Ans: A solution of HCl gas in water conducts electricity because it ionizes, but a
solution of HCl gas in toluene does not conduct an electric current because it
does not ionize into toluene.

(f) Pure water consists entirely of ………….. (ions/molecules).

Ans: Pure water consists entirely of molecules(ions/molecules).

(g) We can expect pure water …………… (will/will not) normally conduct
electricity.

Ans: We can expect pure water will not (will/will not) normally conduct
electricity.

(h) Electrolysis is the passage of……………. (electricity/electrons) through a liquid

or a solution accompanied by a ………….. (physical/chemical) change.

Ans: Electrolysis is the passage of electricity (electricity/electrons) through a

liquid or a solution accompanied by a chemical (physical/chemical) change.

2. Define the following terms:

(a) Electrolysis

Ans: It is the process of decomposition of a chemical compound in aqueous

solutions or in molten state accompanied by a chemical change using direct
electric current.

(b) Non-electrolyte

Ans: It is a compound that neither in solution nor in the molten state allows an
electric current to pass through it.

(c) Cation and an anion

Ans: Ions carrying the positive charge are called cations.

Ions carrying the negative charge are called anions.

(d) Weak electrolyte

Ans: Electrolytes that allows small amount of electricity to flow through them
and are partially dissociated in aqueous solution are called weak electrolytes.
3. What is the difference between:

(a) Modern explanation and Arrhenius explanation for the theory of electrolysis

Ans:

Modern Theory Arrhenius Theory

This theory states that This theory states that electrolytes are ionic
water helps in the in nature even in solid state, ions are held
ionization of together by strong electrostatic force of
electrolytes. attraction which makes the ions immobile.

(b) Electrolytic dissociation and ionization

Ionization Electrolytic dissociation

It is the formation of positively It is the separation of ions present in

and negatively charged ions. ionic form.

Polar covalent compounds Electrovalent compounds show

show ionization. e.g. HCl, dissociation. e.g. Potassium chloride ,
H CO , NH OH etc.
2 3 4 lead bromide, etc.

(c) A cation and an anion

Ans:

Cation Anion

It is a positively charged ion. It is a negatively charged ion.

During electrolysis, cation moves During electrolysis, anion moves

to the cathode. to anode.

Gain electrons and become the Lose electrons and become the
neutral atom. neutral atom.

(d) Electrolytic dissociation and thermal dissociation

Ans:
 Electrolytic Dissociation Thermal Dissociation

Reversible breakdown of a chemical

Electrolytic dissociation is
compound into simpler substances by
the dissociation of an
heating it. The splitting of ammonium
electrovalent compound
chloride into ammonia and hydrogen
into ions in the fused state
chloride is an example. On cooling, they
or in aqueous solution state.
recombine to form the salt.

(e) Strong electrolyte and weak electrolyte

Ans:

Strong Electrolyte Weak Electrolyte

Strong electrolytes allow large Weak electrolytes allow a small

amounts of electricity to pass amount of electricity to pass
through it. through it.

They are good conductors of They are poor conductors of

electricity. electricity.

They completely dissociate into

They partially dissociate into ions.
ions in aqueous solution.

They contain free ions as well as

They only contain free ions.
molecules.

4. Name:

(a) A salt which is a weak electrolyte

Ans: Sodium carbonate

(b) A base which is a weak electrolyte

Ans: NH OH
4

(c) An inert electrode and an active electrode

Ans: An inert electrode: graphite and Active electrode: silver

(d) A positively charged non-metallic ion

Ans: H +

(e) The electrode at which reduction occurs

Ans: Cathode

(f) A non-metallic element which is a conductor of electricity

Ans: Graphite

5. Electrolysis is a redox process. Explain.

Ans: Redox reactions are reactions where oxidation and reduction takes place
simultaneously. In the process of electrolysis, cations move to cathode and
undergo reduction(gain of electron) while anions move to anode and undergo
oxidation(loss of electron).

NaCl→→ Na + Cl+ -

Cathode : Na + e →→ Na(reduction)
+ -

Cl - e →→ Cl(oxidation)
- -

Cl + Cl →→Cl 2

Overall reaction: 2NaCl →→2Na + Cl 2

6. Classify the following substances under three headings:

Acetic acid, ammonium chloride, ammonium hydroxide, carbon tetrachloride,

dilute hydrochloric acid, sodium acetate, dilute sulphuric acid.

a. strong electrolytes

Ans: dilute hydrochloric acid, dilute sulphuric acid, sodium acetate

b. weak electrolytes

Ans: acetic acid, ammonium hydroxide

c. non-electrolytes

Ans: carbon tetrachloride

7. Explain why:

a. Cu, though a good conductor of electricity, is a nonelectrolyte.

Ans: Copper is a good conductor of electricity due to the presence of free

electrons. But copper does not dissociate into its ions in solution so considered
to be non electrolyte.

b. Solid sodium chloride does not allow electricity to pass through.

Ans: In solid state, no free Na and Cl ions are present. So sodium chloride will
+ -

not allow electricity to pass through.

8. Choose A, B, C or D to match the descriptions

(i) to (v) below. Some letters may be repeated.

A. non-electrolyte

B. strong electrolyte

C. weak electrolyte

D. metallic conductor

i. Molten ionic compound

Ans: Strong electrolyte

ii. Carbon tetrachloride

Ans: Non- Electrolyte

iii. An aluminium wire

Ans: Metallic conductor

iv. A solution containing solvent molecules, solute molecules and ions formed by
the dissociation of solute molecules.

Ans: Weak electrolyte

v. A sugar solution with sugar molecules and water molecules.

Ans: Non électrolyte

9. An electrolyte which completely dissociates into ions is:

a. Alcohol

b. Carbonic acid

c. Sucrose

d. Sodium hydroxide

Ans: d. Sodium hydroxide

Intext Questions
1. Name two substances in each case:

(a) Contain only molecules

Ans: Glucose, kerosene

(b) Contain only ions

Ans: NaCl and NaOH

(c) Contain ions as well as molecules

Ans: CH COOH and NH OH

3 4

2. Select the ion in each case that would get selectively discharged from the
aqueous mixture of the ions listed below:

a. SO , NO , and OH
4
2-
3
- -

Ans: OH -

b. Pb , Ag , and Cu
2+ + 2+

Ans: Ag +

3. (a) Among Zn and Cu, which would occur more readily in nature as metal and
which as ion?

Ans: Zn is more reactive than copper. Zn has more tendency to release electrons
and thus Zn more readily occurs as ion while Cu as metal.

(b) Why cannot we store AgNO solution in copper vessels?

3

Ans: Copper lies above silver in electrochemical series so its Cu is more reactive
than silver. So Cu displaces Ag from silver nitrate.

Cu +AgNO →→ Cu(NO ) + 2Ag 3 3 2

(c) Out of Cu and Ag, which is more active?

Ans: Cu is more reactive than Ag, Cu lies above Ag in the electrochemical series.

4. (a) How would you change a metal like Cu into ions?

Ans: By treating its salt with a more reactive metal.

(b) How would you change Cu ions to Cu?
2+

Ans: Cu +2e →→Cu

2+ -

5. A solution of caustic soda (NaOH) in water or when fused, conducts an electric

current. What is the similarity in these two cases?

Ans: In an aqueous state, the slightly negatively charged oxygen atoms of the
polar water molecule pull on the positively charged sodium ions in the aqueous
state. The mildly charged hydrogen atoms of water exert a similar force on the
negatively charged chloride ions. As a result, the ions in solution become free.
These free ions are electrical conductors.

The high temperatures required to melt the solid weaken the link between the
particles in the molten state, allowing the ions to escape.

6. During electrolysis of an aqueous solution of sulphuric acid between platinum

electrodes, two types of anions migrate towards the anode but only one of them
is discharged.

(a) Name the two anions.

Ans: SO and OH
4
2- -

(b) Name the main product of the discharge of anion at the anode and write the
anode reaction.

Ans: OH is discharged at anode and the main product of the discharge of OH is

- -

O2

Reaction is :

OH →→ OH +e
- -

4OH →→ 2H O + O 2 2

(c) Name the product at the cathode and write the reaction.

Ans: The product formed at cathode is hydrogen. The reaction is :

H + e →→ H
+ -

H + H →→ H 2

(d) Do you notice any change in colour? State why?

Ans: No change in colour is observed.

(e) Why is this electrolysis considered as an example of catalysis?

Ans: The breakdown of water molecules into ions is catalysed by dilute sulphuric
acid, hence electrolysis of acidified water is an example of catalysis.

7. Copper sulphate solution is electrolysed using a platinum anode. Study the

diagram given alongside and answer the following questions:

a. Give the names of the electrodes A and B.

Ans: A = Platinum anode, B = Platinum or copper cathode

b. Which electrode is the oxidising electrode?

Ans: A = Platinum anode

8. To carry out the so-called 'electrolysis of water', sulphuric acid is added to

water. How does the addition of sulphuric acid produce a conducting solution?

Ans: Water is dissociated into H+ ions and OH- ions when sulfuric acid is added.

9. Choosing only words from the following list, write down the appropriate
words to fill in the blanks (i) to (v) below: Anions , anode, cathode, cations ,
electrode, electrolyte, nickel , voltameter.

a. The electroplating of an article with nickel requires an (i) ____ which must be a
solution containing (ii) ____ ions. The article to be plated is placed as the (iii) ____
of the cell in which the plating is carried out. The (iv) ____ of the cell is made from
pure nickel. The ions that are attracted to the negative electrode and discharged
are called (v) _____.

Ans:

i. Electrolyte

ii. Nickel

iii. Cathode

iv. Anode

v. Cations

b. When a molten ionic compound is electrolysed, the metal is always formed at

…………… and the non-metal is formed at …………..

Ans: When a molten ionic compound is electrolysed, the metal is always formed
at cathode and the non-metal is formed at anode.

c. Electrolysis of acidulated water is an example of ………… (Reduction/

oxidation/ redox reaction/synthesis).

Ans: Electrolysis of acidulated water is an example of redox reaction.

10. Explain the following :

(a) A solution of cane sugar does not conduct electricity, but a solution of
sodium chloride is a good conductor.

Ans: Cane sugar is a molecule-only substance that does not contain any ions,
even in solution. As a result, it is not an electrical conductor. Sodium chloride
solution, on the other hand, has free mobile ions and permits electric current to
pass through it. As a result, it is a great conductor of electricity.

(b) Hydrochloric acid is a good conductor of electricity.

Ans: Hydrochloric acid is a powerful electrolyte that totally dissociates in water.

Electric current can travel through the solution because it contains free mobile
ions. As a result, hydrochloric acid is a strong electrical conductor.
(c) During the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of NaCl, hydrogen ion is
reduced at the cathode and not the sodium ion though both Na+ and H+ ions are
present in the solution.

Ans: In the electrochemical series, hydrogen is placed lower, while sodium is at

the higher position. This is due to the fact that H ions discharge more quickly at
+

the cathode during electrolysis than Na ions and gain electrons more readily.
+

As a result, the H ion, rather than the Na ion, is reduced at the cathode.
+ +

(d) On electrolysis of dilute copper (II) sulphate solution, copper is deposited at

the cathode but hydrogen gas evolves there. Explain why.

Ans: In the electrochemical series, copper is placed below hydrogen. Cu on 2

+

reduction is discharged as metallic copper in preference to hydrogen.

(e) When a dilute aqueous solution of sodium chloride is electrolysed between

platinum electrodes, hydrogen gas is evolved at the cathode but metallic
sodium is not deposited. Why?

Ans: Since hydrogen is much below sodium in the activity series, hydrogen is
discharged at the cathode in preference to sodium.

(f) Zinc can produce hydrogen by reacting with acids but copper cannot. Explain.

Ans: Zinc is more reactive than hydrogen, so it displaces hydrogen from acids,
but copper is less reactive than hydrogen, so it does not liberate hydrogen from
acids.

Exercise Questions
Give reasons for the following:

(a) Electrolysis of molten lead bromide is considered to be a reaction in which

oxidation and reduction go side by side i.e, a redox reaction.
Ans: Electrolysis of lead bromide results in the loss of electrons at the anode by
the bromine and the gain of electrons at the cathode by the lead. As a result,
oxidation and reduction takes place simultaneously. Hence its a redox reaction.

PbBr →→Pb +2Br

2
2+ -

(b) The blue colour of aqueous copper sulphate fades when it is electrolyzed
using platinum electrodes.

Ans: The blue colour of copper ions diminishes as Cu ions decrease, and the
2+

solution eventually becomes colourless after Cu ions are exhausted.

2+

(c) Lead bromide undergoes electrolytic dissociation in the molten state but is a
non-electrolyte in the solid state.

Ans: In the molten state, lead bromide dissociates into ions, but it does not
dissociate in the solid state. When lead bromide is molten, the ions become free,
but when it is solid, the ions are not free because they are packed tightly
together due to electrostatic forces. As a result, in the molten state, lead
bromide undergoes electrolytic dissociation.

(d) Aluminium is extracted from its oxide by electrolytic reduction and not by
conventional reducing agents.

Ans: Because aluminium has a strong affinity for oxygen, it cannot be reduced
by a reducing agent. As a result, electrolytic reduction is used to separate it
from its oxide.

(e) The ratio of hydrogen and oxygen formed at the cathode and anode is 2:1 by
volume.

Ans: 4H at the cathode and 4OH at the anode are required for electrolytic
1+ -

reactions, and two molecules of water are generated at the anode. Two
molecules of hydrogen at cathode and one molecule of oxygen at anode are
liberated for every two molecules of water.

2H →→2H (cathode)+O (anode)

2 2 2
(f) In the electrolysis of acidified water, dilute sulphuric acid is preferred to
dilute nitric acid for acidification.

Ans: Because HNO is volatile

3

(g) Ammonia is unionized in the gaseous state but in the aqueous solution, it is a
weak electrolyte.

Ans: The chemical molecule ammonia is a covalent compound. In the gaseous

state, it is unionised, but in aqueous solution, it yields NH OH, which is a weak
4

electrolyte that dissociates into ions.

(h) A graphite anode is preferred to other inert electrodes during electrolysis of

fused lead bromide.

Ans: Graphite is unaffected by bromine vapours

(i) For electroplating with silver, silver nitrate is not used as electrolyte.

Ans: Silver nitrate is not utilised as an electrolyte for silver electroplating

because the silver deposition is very fast and hence not very smooth and
uniform.

(j) Carbon tetrachloride is a liquid but does not conduct electricity.

Ans: Carbon tetrachloride is a liquid and does not conduct electricity because it
is a covalent compound and there are no free ions present and contain only
molecules.

(k) Potassium is not extracted by electrolysis of its aqueous salt solution.

Ans: Potassium is not extracted from its aqueous salt solution by electrolysis as
it can react with water.
2. a.Copy and complete the following table which refers to two practical
applications of electrolysis

Anode Electrolyte Cathode

Silver plating of a Solution of potassium

spoon argentocyanide

Purification of
copper

Extraction of
sodium

Ans:

Anode Electrolyte Cathode

Plate of
Silver plating Solution of potassium Article to be
pure clean
of a spoon argentocyanide electroplated
silver

Solution of copper
Purification of Impure Thin strip of
sulphate and dilute
copper copper pure copper
sulphuric acid

Extraction of
Nickel Fused sodium chloride Iron
sodium

b. Write the equation taking place at the anode for Q. 2(a).

Ans: i. Ag - e → Ag- +

ii. Cu - e → Cu
- 2+

iii. Cl - e → Cl
- -

Cl + Cl → Cl 2

3. (a) Draw a labeled diagram to show how iron is electroplated with copper.
Ans:
(b) Which solution is preferred as electrolyte, CuSO or FeSO ? 4 4

Ans: CuSO is preferred as an electrolyte.

4

(c) Describe what happens to the iron object and the copper rod.

Ans: The copper anode continuously dissolves as ions in solution and is replaced
periodically. The electrolyte dissociates into Cu ions which migrate towards the
2+

iron object taken as the cathode and are deposited as neutral copper atoms on
the cathode.

Electrolyte: Aqueous solution of nickel sulphate

Dissociation: CuSO ⇌⇌ Cu + SO H O ⇌⇌ H + OH
4
2+
4
2-
2
+ -

Electrodes:

Cathode: Article to be electroplated

Anode: Block of pure copper

Electrode reactions:

Reaction at cathode: Cu + 2e →→ Cu (deposited)

2+ -

Reaction at anode: Cu - 2e →→ Cu
- 2+
4. Element X is a metal with a valency 2. Element Y is a non-metal with a valency
3.

(a) Write equations to show how X and Y form ions?

Ans: X →→ X +2e 2+ -

Y + 3e →→ Y
- 3-

(b) If Y is a diatomic gas, write the equation for the direct combination of X and Y
to form a compound.

Ans: Y + 3X →→ X Y
2 3 2

(c) If the compound formed between X and Y is melted and an electric current
passed through the molten compound, the element X will be obtained at the
_____ and Y at the _________of the electrolytic cell.(Provide the missing words)

Ans: Cathode , Anode

5. Write two applications of electrolysis in which the anode diminishes in mass.

Ans: i. Electroplating of metals

ii. Electrorefining of metals

6. (a) What kind of particles will be found in a liquid compound which is a non-
electrolyte?

Ans: Non-electrolyte contains molecules.

(b) If HX is a weak acid, what particles will be present in its dilute solution apart
from those of water?

Ans: Molecules of HX and H+ and X- ions.

(c) Cations are formed by ____ (loss/gain) of electrons and anions are formed by
_________(loss/gain) of electrons. (Choose the correct word to fill in blank)

Ans: Loss

(d) What ions must be present in a solution used for electroplating a particular
metal?

Ans: The electrolyte used for the purpose must contain the ions of metal which
is to be electroplated on the article.

7. A strip of copper is placed in four different colourless salt solutions. They are
KNO , AgNO , Zn(NO ) and Ca(NO ) . Which one of the solutions will finally turn
3 3 3 2 3 2

blue?

Ans: AgNO solution

3

2008

(a) Here is an electrode reaction :

Cu →→Cu +2e +2 -

At which electrode (anode or cathode) would such a reaction take place? Is this
an example of oxidation or reduction?

Ans: The reaction takes place at anode. This is an example of oxidation

(b) A solution contains magnesium ions (Mg ), iron (II) ions (Fe ) and copper ions
2+ 2+

(Cu ). On passing an electric current through this solution, which ions will be
2+

first to be discharged at the cathode? Write the equation for the cathode
reaction.

Ans: Cu will discharge easily at cathode.

+2

Reaction at cathode:

Cu +2e →→Cu
+2 -

(c) Why is carbon tetrachloride, which is a liquid, a non-electrolyte?

Ans: Carbon tetrachloride is a non-electrolyte because it is a covalent
compound. It does not ionize and hence does not conduct electricity.

(d) During the electrolysis of molten lead bromide, which of the following takes
place?

A. Bromine is released at the cathode

B. Lead is deposited at the anode

C. Bromine ions gain electrons

D. Lead is deposited at the cathode

Ans: D. Lead is deposited at cathode.

2009

a. Select the correct answer: The aqueous solution of the compound which
contains both ions and molecules is

A. H SO
2 4

B. HCl

C. HNO 3

D. CH COOH
3

Ans: D. CH COOH 3

b. Correct the following statement: Lead bromide conducts electricity.

Ans: Molten lead bromide conducts electricity.

c. A metal article is to be electroplated with silver. The electrolyte selected is

sodium argentocyanide.

i. What kind of salt is sodium argentocyanide?

Ans: Complex salt

ii. Why is it preferred to silver nitrate as an electrolyte?

Ans: On using silver nitrate, the deposition of silver on the cathode is very fast
and hence not very smooth and uniform because it is a strong electrolyte.

iii. State one condition to ensure that the deposit is smooth, firm and long
lasting.

Ans: A long current for a longer time should be used.

iv. Write the reaction taking place at the cathode.

Ans: Ag + e →→ Ag
+ -

v. Write the reaction taking place at the anode.

Ans: Ag - e →→ Ag
- +

2010

Select the correct answer: A compound which during electrolysis in its molten
state liberates a reddish brown gas at the anode.

i. Sodium chloride

ii. Copper (II) oxide

iii. Copper (II) sulphate

iv. Lead (II) bromide

Ans: iv. Lead (II) bromide

During electroplating of an article with nickel,

i. Name

A. The electrolyte

Ans: Aqueous solution of nickel sulphate with few drops of dil. sulphuric acid.

B. The cathode
Ans: Article

C. The anode

Ans: Pure nickel

ii. Give the reaction of electrolysis at

A. The cathode

Ans: Ni + 2e →→ Ni
2+ -

B. The anode

Ans: Ni →→ Ni + 2e 2+ -

c. A, B and C are three electrolytic cells connected in different circuits. Cell 'A'
contains NaCl solution. And the bulb in the circuit glows brightly when the
circuit is completed. Cell 'B' contains acetic acid and the bulb glows dimly. Cell
'C' contains sugar solution, and the bulb does not glow. Give reason for each
observation.

Ans: Cell A contains sodium chloride solution which is a strong electrolyte and
contains only ions. So, it conducts electricity and the bulb glows brightly.

Cell B contains both ions and molecules. So, there are very few ions to conduct
electricity and the bulb glows dimly.

Cell C contains sugar solution which is a non-electrolyte and does not contain
ions. So, it is a bad conductor of electricity and the bulb does not glow.

2011

a. Give reason: The electrolysis of acidulated water is considered to be an

example of catalysis.

Ans: Dissociation is catalysed by dilute sulphuric acid, so electrolysis of acidified

water is considered an example of catalysis.
b. During the electrolysis of copper (H) sulphate solution using platinum as a
cathode and carbon as an anode,

i. State what you observe at the cathode and at the anode.

Ans: Red shiny metal deposits at the cathode.

ii. State the change noticed in the electrolyte.

Ans: The electrolyte colour changes gradually from blue to colourless.

iii. Write the reactions at the cathode and at the anode.

Ans: At the cathode:

Cu + 2e →→ Cu
2+ -

Reaction at the anode:

OH →→ OH + e
- -

4OH →→ 2H O + O
2 2

c. Differentiate between electrical conductivity of copper sulphate solution and

that of copper metal.

2012

a. Identify the weak electrolyte from the following:

i. Sodium chloride solution

ii. Dilute hydrochloric acid

iii. Dilute sulphuric acid

iv. Aq. acetic acid

Ans: iv. Aq. acetic acid

b. Match the following in Column A with the correct answer from the choices
given in Column B:

Column A Column B

1. Ammonium hydroxide solution (i) Contains only ions

2. Dilute hydrochloric acid (ii) Contains only molecules

3. Carbon tetrachloride (iii) Contains ions and molecules

Ans: Ammonium hydroxide solution - Contains ions and molecules

Dilute hydrochloric acid - Contains only ions

Carbon tetrachloride - Contains only molecules

c. Give reason: An aqueous solution of sodium chloride conducts electricity.

Ans: An aqueous solution of sodium chloride consists of free sodium and

chloride ions which are responsible for conducting electricity.

d. Select the correct answer from the list in brackets:

i. An aqueous electrolyte consists of the ions mentioned in the list. The ion
which could be discharged most readily during electrolysis... (Fe , Cu , Pb , H )
2+ 2+ 2+ +

Ans: Cu 2+

ii. The metallic electrode which does not take part in an electrolytic reaction...
(Cu, Ag, Pt, Ni)

Ans: Pt

iii. The ion which is discharged at the anode during the electrolysis of copper
sulphate solution using copper electrodes as anode and cathode… (Cu , OH , SO ,2+ -
4
2-

H)
+

Ans: Cu 2+

iv. When dilute sodium chloride is electrolysed using graphite electrodes, the
cation which is discharged at the cathode most readily... (Na , OH , H , Cl )
+ _ + -

Ans: H +

v. During silver plating of an article using potassium argentocyanide as an

electrolyte, the anode material should be... (Cu, Ag, Pt, Fe)

Ans: Ag
2013

a. State one appropriate observation for: Electricity is passed through molten

lead bromide.

Ans: Dark red brown fumes of bromine release at the anode and greyish white
metal lead is formed on the cathode.

b. State which of these will act as a non-electrolyte:

i. Liquid carbon tetrachloride

ii. Acetic acid

iii. Sodium hydroxide aqueous solution

iv. Potassium chloride aqueous solution

Ans: i. Liquid carbon tetrachloride

c. Copper sulphate soln. is electrolysed using copper electrodes.

i. Which electrode to your left or right is known as the oxidising electrode and
why?
Ans: The right electrode is the anode and oxidising electrode. Cu →→ Cu + 2e 2+ -

losing electrode.
ii. Write the equation representing the reaction that occurs.

Ans: Reaction at the anode: Cu →→ Cu + 2e2+ -

Reaction at the cathode: Cu + 2e →→ Cu

2+ -

iii. State two appropriate observations for the above electrolysis reaction.

Ans: The anode dissolves and anode mud containing precious metal is
recovered.

d. Identify: A gas which does not conduct electricity in the liquid state but
conducts electricity when dissolved in water.

Ans: Hydrogen chloride

2014

The observation seen when fused lead bromide is electrolysed is

i. A silver grey deposit at anode and a reddish brown deposit at cathode.

ii. A silver grey deposit at cathode and a reddish brown deposit at anode.

iii. A silver grey deposit at cathode and reddish brown fumes at anode.

iv. Silver grey fumes at anode and reddish brown fumes at cathode.

Ans: iii. A silver grey deposit at cathode and reddish brown fumes at anode.

b. During electroplating an article with silver, the electrolyte used is

i. Silver nitrate solution

ii. Silver cyanide solution

iii. Sodium argentocyanide solution

iv. Nickel sulphate solution

Ans: iii. Sodium argentocyanide solution

c. Give one word or phrase for: Electrolytic deposition of a superior metal on a
baser metal.

Ans: Galvanisation

d. State your observation seen: At the cathode when acidified aqueous copper
sulphate solution is electrolysed with copper electrodes.

Ans: Acidified aqueous copper sulphate solution is electrolysed with copper

electrodes by electrolysis. The electrolysis of an aqueous solution of copper
sulphate using copper electrodes (i.e. using active electrodes) results in transfer
of copper metal from the anode to the cathode during electrolysis. The copper
sulphate is ionised in the aqueous solution.

Copper sulphate solution is ionised by the following chemical equation:

CuSO →→ Cu + SO
4
2+
4
2-

The positively charged copper ions migrate to the cathode, where each gains
two electrons to become copper atoms which are deposited on the cathode.

Cu + 2e →→ Cu
2+ -

Hence, the colour of copper sulphate changes from

blue to colourless.

e. State which electrode: anode or cathode is the oxidising electrode. Give a

reason for the same.

Ans: Cathode (Reducing electrode): At the cathode, the cations gain electrons to
form neutral atoms. As electrons are gained, the ion is said to be reduced.
Anode (Oxidising electrode): At the anode, the anions lose electrons to form
neutral atoms. As electrons are lost, the ion is said to be oxidised.

f. Name the kind of particles present in

i. Sodium hydroxide solution

Ans: Positive sodium ions and negative hydroxide ions

ii. Carbonic acid

Ans: Hydrogen ions and carbonate ions

iii. Sugar solution

Ans: Glucose, fructose and galactose

g. M O is the oxide of a metal 'M' which is above hydrogen in the activity series.
2

M O when dissolved in water forms the corresponding hydroxide which is a good

2

conductor of electricity.

i. State the reaction taking place at the cathode

Ans: M + 1e →→ M
+ -

ii. Name the product at the anode

Ans: Oxygen gas

2015

State the observation at the anode when aqueous copper sulphate solution is
electrolysed using copper electrodes.

a. Copper anode itself ionises to give Cu ions.

2+

Ans: Cu - 2e →→ Cu
- 2+

b. During electrolysis of molten lead bromide, graphite anode is preferred to

other electrodes. Give a reason.
Ans: During the electrolysis of molten lead bromide, a graphite anode is
preferred because graphite remains unaffected by the reactive bromine vapours
which are released at the anode.

c. Electrolysis of molten lead bromide is considered to be a redox reaction. Give

a reason.

Ans: In the electrolysis of molten lead bromide, the following reactions take
place:

At the cathode: Pb (l) + 2e →→ Pb(l)

2+ -

At the anode: 2Br (l) →→ Br (g) + 2e

-
2
-

Lead (II) ions (Pb ) are attracted to the negative electrode, and the Pb ions are
2+ 2+

forced to accept two electrons. Pb ions are reduced. Bromide ions (Br ) are
2+ -

attracted to the positive electrode, and the bromide ions are forced to give away
their extra electrons to form bromine atoms. Thus, bromide ions are oxidised.
So, electrolysis of molten lead bromide is a redox reaction.

2016

Give reasons why :

(a) Sodium Chloride will conduct electricity only in fused or aqueous solution
state.

Ans: Electrostatic forces of attraction between ions in the solid state are very
strong. These forces weaken in the fused or solution state. Hence, ions become
mobile.

(b) In the electroplating of an article with silver, the electrolyte sodium

argentocyanide solution is preferred over silver nitrate solution.

Ans: If silver nitrate solution is used directly instead of double cyanide of silver
and sodium, silver will deposit very fast and its deposition will not be smooth
and uniform.

(c) Although copper is a good conductor of electricity, it is a non-electrolyte.

Ans: Copper has no mobile electrons in the solid state and an electrolyte should
dissociate into oppositely charged ions to conduct electricity.
Hence, copper is a non-electrolyte.