1

1 Electrolysis is carried out on aluminium oxide dissolved in molten cryolite.

waste gases

positive electrode

negative electrode aluminium oxide dissolved

in molten cryolite

aluminium

(a) Give two reasons why the electrolysis is carried out on aluminium oxide dissolved in molten
cryolite instead of electrolysing molten aluminium oxide only.

1 ........................................................................................................................................

2 ........................................................................................................................................ [2]

(b) Write the ionic half-equation for the reaction occurring at the negative electrode.

........................................................................................................................................... [2]

(c) The positive electrodes are made of carbon.

Explain why the positive carbon electrodes are replaced regularly.

...........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 6]

2 A metal spoon is electroplated with copper.

State what is used as:

the positive electrode (anode) ..................................................................................................

the negative electrode (cathode) .............................................................................................

the electrolyte ........................................................................................................................... [3]

[Total: 3]

3 This question is about chemical reactions and electricity.

The diagram shows the apparatus used in the production of electrical energy in a simple cell.
 2

voltmeter
V
zinc electrode iron electrode

electrolyte

The reading on the voltmeter can be increased if either zinc or iron is replaced by another metal.

(a) Name a metal that can replace zinc and increase the reading on the voltmeter.

........................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) Name a metal that can replace iron and increase the reading on the voltmeter.

........................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 2]

4 This question is about electrolysis.

Concentrated hydrochloric acid is electrolysed using the apparatus shown.

wire

+ – carbon electrodes

concentrated
hydrochloric acid

(a) Chloride ions are discharged at the anode.

(i) Complete the ionic half-equation for this reaction.

Cl–(aq) (g) + e–

[2]

(ii) State whether oxidation or reduction takes place. Explain your answer.

................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................ [1]
 3

(b) Describe what is seen at the cathode.

...........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 4]

5 This question is about electrolysis.

The table gives information about the electrolysis of two electrolytes.

Carbon (graphite) electrodes are used in each experiment.

(a) Complete the table to show the observations and products of electrolysis.

positive electrode (anode) negative electrode (cathode)

electrolyte observations name of product observations name of product

aqueous colourless
copper(II) sulfate bubbles

concentrated aqueous colourless

hydrogen
sodium bromide bubbles

[5]

(b) Hydrogen is produced at the negative electrode (cathode) during the electrolysis of concentrated
aqueous sodium bromide.

Write the ionic half-equation for this reaction.

........................................................................................................................................... [2]

(c) State two reasons why carbon (graphite) is suitable to use as an electrode.

1 ........................................................................................................................................

2 ........................................................................................................................................ [2]

(d) Name the particle responsible for the conduction of electricity in the metal wires used in a
circuit.

........................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 10]

6 A student carries out an electrolysis experiment using the apparatus shown.

 4

wire

+ – carbon electrodes

dilute aqueous
sodium chloride

The student uses dilute aqueous sodium chloride.

Hydroxide ions are discharged at the anode.

(a) Complete the ionic half-equation for this reaction.

− −
..........OH (aq) → .............................. + O2(g) + 4e

[2]

(b) Explain how the ionic half-equation shows the hydroxide ions are being oxidised.

........................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 3]

7 A student carries out an electrolysis experiment using the apparatus shown.

wire

+ – carbon electrodes

dilute aqueous
sodium chloride

The student uses dilute aqueous sodium chloride.

(a) Describe what the student observes at the cathode.

........................................................................................................................................... [1]
 5

(b) Write the ionic half-equation for the reaction at the cathode.

........................................................................................................................................... [2]

(c) The student repeats the experiment using concentrated aqueous sodium chloride.

(i) Describe what the student observes at:

• the cathode .....................................................................................................

• the anode ........................................................................................................ [2]

(ii) The student added litmus to the solution after the electrolysis of concentrated aqueous
sodium chloride.

State the colour seen in the solution. Give a reason for your answer.

colour of solution ...................................................................................................

reason ................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 7]

8 Dilute sulfuric acid is electrolysed using the apparatus shown in the diagram.

power
supply

+ – inert electrodes

dilute sulfuric acid

(a) State what is meant by the term electrolysis.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) Explain why inert electrodes are used.

...........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... [1]
 6

(c) Name the products formed at each electrode.

negative electrode ............................................................................................................

positive electrode ............................................................................................................. [2]

(d) Write an ionic half-equation for the reaction at the negative electrode.

........................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 7]

9 Electrolysis of concentrated aqueous sodium chloride using inert electrodes forms chlorine.

(a) What is meant by the term electrolysis?

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) Name a substance that can be used as the inert electrodes.

........................................................................................................................................... [1]

(c) Write an ionic half-equation for the formation of hydrogen during this electrolysis.

........................................................................................................................................... [1]

(d) Give the formulae of the four ions present in concentrated aqueous sodium chloride.

........................................................................................................................................... [2]

(e) Explain how sodium hydroxide is formed during this electrolysis.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 8]

10 Aluminium is extracted from its ore. The ore is converted into pure aluminium oxide, which then
undergoes electrolysis as shown.
 7

+ power –
supply wires
anodes

+ +
cathode
electrolyte

molten aluminium

(a) (i) Name an ore of aluminium.

................................................................................................................................ [1]
(ii) What is meant by the term electrolysis?

................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................ [2]

(b) Aluminium oxide has a melting point of about 2000 °C, but the electrolysis process operates
at about 900 °C.

(i) Name the compound added to aluminium oxide to reduce the operating temperature.

................................................................................................................................ [1]

(ii) Suggest one benefit to the environment of reducing the operating temperature.

................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................ [1]

(iii) Write the ionic half-equation for the reaction taking place at:

the negative electrode (cathode) ..........................................................................

the positive electrode (anode). .............................................................................. [4]

(iv) Explain why the anodes need frequent replacement.

................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................ [2]

[Total: 11]

11 A student used the following electrochemical cell.

The reading on the voltmeter was +1.10 V.

 8

voltmeter

zinc electrode copper electrode

dilute sulfuric acid

(a) Draw an arrow on the diagram to show the direction of electron flow. [1]

(b) Suggest the change, if any, in the voltmeter reading if the zinc electrode was replaced with an
iron electrode.
Explain your answer.

...........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... [2]

(c) The zinc electrode was replaced with a silver electrode. The reading on the voltmeter was
–0.46 V.

Suggest why the sign of the voltmeter reading became negative.

...........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 4]

12 A sample of concentrated hydrobromic acid, HBr(aq), was electrolysed using platinum electrodes.
3
The concentration of the hydrobromic acid was 8.89 mol / dm .
3
(a) Calculate the concentration of the HBr(aq) in g / dm .

3
concentration of the HBr(aq) = ........................... g / dm [1]
 9

(b) Explain why concentrated HBr(aq) can conduct electricity.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... [2]

(c) Magnesium is not a suitable material from which to make the electrodes.

Explain why.

...........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... [1]

(d) Predict the product formed at the anode when concentrated HBr(aq) is electrolysed.

........................................................................................................................................... [1]

(e) Write the ionic half-equation for the reaction occurring at the cathode.

........................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 7]

13 A student used the following apparatus to electrolyse concentrated aqueous sodium chloride using
inert electrodes.

concentrated aqueous
sodium chloride

inert electrodes

+ –

(a) Suggest the name of a metal which could be used as the inert electrodes.

........................................................................................................................................... [1]
 10

(b) Name the gas formed at the positive electrode.

........................................................................................................................................... [1]

(c) Write an ionic half-equation for the reaction occurring at the negative electrode.
Include state symbols.

........................................................................................................................................... [3]

(d) How, if at all, does the pH of the solution change during the electrolysis?
Explain your answer.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... [3]

[Total: 8]

14 Metal objects can be electroplated with silver.

(a) Describe how a metal spoon can be electroplated with silver.

Include:
● what to use as the positive electrode and as the negative electrode
● what to use as the electrolyte
● an ionic half-equation to show the formation of silver.

You may include a diagram in your answer.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

ionic half-equation ............................................................................................................ [4]

 11

(b) Give one reason why metal spoons are electroplated with silver.

...........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 5]

15 Solutions of ionic compounds can be broken down by electrolysis.

Concentrated aqueous copper(II) chloride was electrolysed using the apparatus shown.

power
supply

– +

cathode made anode made

of platinum of platinum

concentrated aqueous
copper(II) chloride

The ionic half-equations for the reactions at the electrodes are shown.
2+ –
negative electrode: Cu (aq) + 2e → Cu(s)
– –
positive electrode: 2Cl (aq) → Cl2(g) + 2e

(a) Platinum is a solid which is a good conductor of electricity.

State one other property of platinum which makes it suitable for use as electrodes.

...........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) State what would be seen at the positive electrode during this electrolysis.

...........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... [1]
 12

(c) State and explain what would happen to the mass of the negative electrode during this
electrolysis.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... [2]

(d) The concentrated aqueous copper(II) chloride electrolyte is green.

Suggest what would happen to the colour of the electrolyte during this electrolysis.
Explain your answer.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... [2]

(e) Identify the species that is oxidised during this electrolysis.

Explain your answer.

species that is oxidised .....................................................................................................

explanation .......................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 8]

16 Copper is refined (purified) by electrolysis. Nickel can be refined using a similar method.
 13

(a) The diagram shows the refining of nickel by electrolysis.

Complete the labels in the boxes.

power
supply

+ –
anode made of cathode made of
.......................................... ..........................................

electrolyte of
..........................................

[3]

(b) Indicate, by writing N on the diagram, where nickel is produced. [1]

[Total: 4]

17 Magnesium cannot be produced by electrolysis of aqueous magnesium chloride using inert

electrodes.

(a) Name the product formed at the negative electrode (cathode) during the electrolysis of aqueous
magnesium chloride.

........................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) Suggest how magnesium can be produced from magnesium chloride by electrolysis.

........................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 2]

18 The table gives information about the products of the electrolysis of two electrolytes. Platinum
electrodes are used in each case.

(a) Give two reasons why platinum is suitable to use as an electrode.

1.........................................................................................................................................

2......................................................................................................................................... [2]
 14

(b) Complete the table.

observation name of product observation name of product

electrolyte
at the anode (+) at the anode (+) at the cathode (−) at the cathode (−)

concentrated
bubbles of
aqueous
colourless gas
otassium chloride

aqueous bubbles of
opper(II) sulfate colourless gas

[6]

[Total: 8]

19 A student electrolyses aqueous copper(II) sulfate using the apparatus shown.

power supply

+ –
carbon electrodes

aqueous
copper(II) sulfate

Oxygen gas forms at the positive electrode (anode).

What difference would the student observe at the positive electrode if the aqueous copper(II) sulfate
were replaced by concentrated aqueous copper(II) chloride?

..................................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 1]

20 A student electrolyses aqueous copper(II) sulfate using the apparatus shown.

 15

power supply

+ –
carbon electrodes

aqueous
copper(II) sulfate

Oxygen gas forms at the positive electrode (anode).

(a) Describe what the student observes at the negative electrode.

........................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) Give two other observations which the student makes during the electrolysis.

1.........................................................................................................................................

2......................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 3]
 16

21 A student electrolysed copper(II) sulfate solution using the two sets of apparatus shown.

power supply power supply

carbon copper
electrodes electrodes

copper(II) sulfate copper(II) sulfate

solution solution
apparatus A apparatus B

In apparatus A the student used carbon electrodes.

In apparatus B the student used copper electrodes.

The student made the following observations.

apparatus A apparatus B

The mass of the negative electrode increased. The mass of the negative electrode increased.

The mass of the positive electrode stayed the same. The mass of the positive electrode decreased.

Bubbles were seen at the positive electrode. No bubbles were seen at the positive electrode.

Suggest what happens to the colour of the solution in apparatus A and apparatus B as the
electrolysis progresses.
Explain your answer.

colour of the solution in apparatus A........................................................................................

colour of the solution in apparatus B........................................................................................

explanation................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................................. [3]

[Total: 3]

22 Concentrated aqueous potassium bromide is an electrolyte.

 17

(a) Describe the electrolysis of concentrated aqueous potassium bromide.

Include:
● an ionic half-equation for the reaction at the cathode
● the name of the product at the anode
● the name of the potassium compound formed.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... [4]

(b) When molten potassium bromide is electrolysed, the product at the cathode is different.

Name the product at the cathode when molten potassium bromide is electrolysed.

........................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 5]

23 Concentrated aqueous potassium bromide is an electrolyte.

What is meant by the term electrolyte?

..................................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................................. [2]

[Total: 2]

24 A student electrolysed copper(II) sulfate solution using the two sets of apparatus shown.

power supply power supply

carbon copper
electrodes electrodes

copper(II) sulfate copper(II) sulfate

solution solution
apparatus A apparatus B

In apparatus A the student used carbon electrodes.

In apparatus B the student used copper electrodes.

The student made the following observations.

 18

apparatus A apparatus B

The mass of the negative electrode increased. The mass of the negative electrode increased.

The mass of the positive electrode stayed the same. The mass of the positive electrode decreased.

Bubbles were seen at the positive electrode. No bubbles were seen at the positive electrode.

(a) Explain why the mass of the negative electrode increased in both sets of apparatus.

...........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) Name the gas that formed the bubbles seen in apparatus A.

........................................................................................................................................... [1]

(c) Explain why the mass of the positive electrode decreased in apparatus B.

...........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 3]

25 Molten nickel(II) iodide can be electrolysed using the apparatus shown.

power supply
copper wires

platinum
electrodes

molten
nickel(II) iodide

During electrolysis, charge is transferred through the copper wires and through the molten
nickel(II) iodide.

(a) Name the type of particles which transfer charge through the copper wires.

........................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) Name the type of particles which transfer charge through the molten nickel(II) iodide.

........................................................................................................................................... [1]
 19

(c) Predict the products of the electrolysis of molten nickel(II) iodide. Write an ionic half-equation
for the formation of one of these products.

products.............................................................................................................................

ionic half-equation............................................................................................................. [3]

[Total: 5]

26 During the extraction of aluminium by electrolysis, carbon dioxide is formed at the anode.

Explain how carbon dioxide is formed at the anode.

..................................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................................. [2]

[Total: 2]

27 A student electrolyses aqueous copper(II) sulfate using the apparatus shown.

power supply

+ –
carbon electrodes

aqueous
copper(II) sulfate

Oxygen gas forms at the positive electrode (anode).

Write an ionic half-equation for the reaction at the negative electrode (cathode).
Include state symbols.

.................................................................................................................................................. [3]

[Total: 3]

28 Aluminium can be extracted by electrolysis using the apparatus shown.

 20

+ power –
supply
anodes wires

cathode
+ +
aluminium oxide
and cryolite

molten aluminium

(a) Name the type of particle responsible for the transfer of charge in

the wires, ..........................................................................................................................

the electrolyte. .................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) Give two reasons why cryolite is used.

1 ........................................................................................................................................

2 ........................................................................................................................................ [2]

(c) Write the ionic half-equation for the formation of aluminium during the electrolysis.

........................................................................................................................................... [1]

(d) Explain how carbon dioxide gas is formed at the anodes.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... [3]

[Total: 8]

29 A student has a small piece of impure copper. The main impurities in the copper are small quantities
of silver and zinc.

The student uses electrolysis to extract pure copper from the small piece of impure copper.
 21

(a) Complete the labels on the diagram of the student’s electrolysis experiment.

anode made of cathode made of

+ –
......................................... .........................................

electrolyte of
.......................................................

[3]

(b) Use your knowledge of the reactivity series to suggest what happens to the silver and zinc
impurities.
Explain your answers.

silver impurities .................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

zinc impurities ...................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... [3]

[Total: 6]

30 A student sets up the following electrolysis experiment.

bulb

wire

+ –
graphite electrodes

dilute aqueous
sodium chloride
 22

(a) Define the term electrolysis.

...........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) The student observes bubbles of colourless gas forming at each electrode.

(i) Name the main gas produced at the positive electrode (anode).

................................................................................................................................ [1]

(ii) Describe a test for the gas produced in (b)(i).

test .........................................................................................................................

result ...................................................................................................................... [2]

(iii) Write the ionic half-equation for the reaction taking place at the negative electrode
(cathode).

................................................................................................................................ [1]

(c) Charge is transferred during electrolysis.

Name the type of particle responsible for the transfer of charge in:

the wires ...........................................................................................................................

the electrolyte. .................................................................................................................. [2]

(d) The student replaces the dilute aqueous sodium chloride with concentrated aqueous
sodium chloride.

Suggest two differences that the student observes.

1 ........................................................................................................................................

2 ........................................................................................................................................ [2]

[Total: 10]

31 A way of determining the order of reactivity of metals is by measuring the voltage and
polarity of simple cells. The polarity of a cell is shown by which metal is the positive electrode
and which metal is the negative electrode.

The following table gives the polarity of cells using the metals zinc, lead, copper and
manganese.

cell electrode polarity electrode 2 polarity

A zinc − lead +
 23

B manganese − lead +

C copper + lead −

(a) What information about the order of reactivity of these four metals can be deduced from
the table?

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) What additional information is needed to establish the order of reactivity of these four
metals using cells?

........................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 3]