MCQs

Q1/J15 P11 Q14

In which change is chromium (II) oxide, CrO, reduced?

Q2/J15 P12 Q12

In which equation does the oxidation of the underlined compound occur?

A 2CuO + C → CO2 + Cu
B Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2
C 2Mg + O2 → 2MgO
D MnO2 + 4HCl → MnCl 2 + 2H2O + Cl 2

Q3/J15 P13 Q12

In which change is N2O3 oxidised?

Q4/N15 P11 Q13

The element vanadium, V, forms several oxides.

In which change is oxidation taking place?
A VO2 → V2O3
B V2O5→ VO2
C V2O3 →VO
D V2O3 →V2O5

Q5/N15 P12 Q15

The reaction between magnesium and carbon dioxide is represented by the

following equation.
2Mg + CO2→2MgO + C
Which statement describes what happens in this reaction?
A Carbon is oxidised.
B Magnesium is reduced.
C Neither oxidation nor reduction happens.
 D The carbon in carbon dioxide is reduced.

Q6/M16 P21 Q16

Zinc is extracted from zinc blende by roasting it in air to form zinc oxide.
The zinc oxide is then heated with carbon to form zinc.
The equations for the reactions are shown.
1 2ZnS + 3O2 → 2ZnO + 2SO2
2 ZnO + C → Zn + CO
Which statement about reactions 1 and 2 is not correct?
A In reaction 1 the oxidation state of sulfur increases and it is oxidised.
B In reaction 1 the oxidation state of zinc increases and it is oxidised.
C In reaction 2 the carbon acts as a reducing agent and it is oxidised.
D In reaction 2 the oxidation state of zinc decreases and it is reduced.

Q7/J16 P21 Q17

Which equation represents a reduction reaction?

A Fe2+ + e– → Fe3+
B Fe2+ → Fe3+ + e–
C Fe3+ + e– → Fe2+
D Fe3+ → Fe2+ + e–

Q8/N16 P21 Q17

Four ionic half-equations are shown.

1 Cu2+(aq) + 2e– → Cu(s)
2 2I–(aq) → I2(aq) + 2e–
3 Fe2+(aq) → Fe3+(aq) + e–
4 Cl 2(g) + 2e– → 2Cl–(aq)
Which statement is correct?
A In equation 1, copper (II) ions are oxidised to copper.
B In equation 2, iodide ions are reduced to iodine.
C In equation 3, iron (II) ions are oxidised to iron (III) ions.
D In equation 4, chlorine is oxidised to chloride ions.

Q9/N16 P22 Q17

Chromium forms the compound chromium (III) sulfate.

What does the (III) represent?
A the charge on a sulfate ion
B the number of chromium ions combined with one sulfate ion
C the number of sulfate ions combined with one chromium ion
D the oxidation state of chromium

Q10/N16 P23 Q17

Which change represents an oxidation reaction?

A chlorine changes to chlorate(I) ions
B chlorine changes to chloride ions
C copper (II) ions change to copper
D potassium manganate (VII) ions change to potassium manganate (VI)
ions

Q11/M17 P21 Q17

Chlorine displaces bromine from a solution of potassium bromide.

Cl 2 + 2KBr → 2KCl + Br2
What is the oxidising agent in this reaction?
A bromide ions
 B bromine
C chloride ions
D chlorine

Q12/J17 P21 Q17

An example of a redox reaction is shown.

Zn + Cu2+ → Zn2+ + Cu
Which statement about the reaction is correct?
A Zn is the oxidising agent and it oxidises Cu2+.
B Zn is the oxidising agent and it reduces Cu2+
C Zn is the reducing agent and it oxidises Cu2+
D Zn is the reducing agent and it reduces Cu2+

Q13/N17 P21 Q14

Copper (II) oxide reacts with hydrogen.

CuO + H2 → Cu + H2O
Which row is correct?

Q14/N17 P22 Q14

Copper metal donates electrons to silver ions.
Zinc metal donates electrons to copper ions.
What is the strongest reducing agent?
A copper ions
B copper metal
C silver ions
D zinc metal

Q15/N17 P23 Q14

Silver chloride reacts when it is exposed to light.

Which row shows what happens to the silver in this process?

Q16/M18 P22 Q14

The ionic equation for the reaction between zinc and aqueous copper ions
is shown.
Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) → Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s)
Which statement about this reaction is correct?
A Copper ion are oxidised and their oxidation state changes.
B Copper ions are reduced because they lose electrons.
 C Zinc atoms are oxidised and their oxidation state changes.
D Zinc atoms are reduced because they gain electrons.

Q17/J18 P21 Q16

Chlorine displaces iodide ions from potassium iodide.

Cl 2 + 2I– → I2 + 2Cl–
What is the oxidising agent?
A chloride ions
B chlorine
C iodide ions
D iodine

Q18/J18 P22 Q16

Iron (II) chloride solution reacts with chlorine gas.

The equation is shown.
2FeCl 2(aq) + Cl 2(g) → 2FeCl 3(aq)
Which statements about this reaction are correct?
1 Fe2+ ions are reduced to Fe3+ ions.
2 Chlorine acts as a reducing agent.
3 Fe2+ ions each lose an electron.
4 Cl 2 molecules are reduced to Cl– ions.
A 1 and 2 B 2 and 3 C 2 and 4 D 3 and 4

Q19/J18 P23 Q16

The equation for a redox reaction is shown.

2Fe3+ + Zn → 2Fe2+ + Zn2+
Which statements are correct?
 1 Fe3+ is reduced to form Fe2+.
2 Zn oxidises the Fe3+ ions.
3 Fe3+ is an oxidising agent.
A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only

Q20/N18 P21 Q16

An excess of iron (II) chloride is added to acidified potassium manganate

(VII).
Which statements are correct?
1 The purple colour disappears.
2 Iron (II) is reduced to iron (III).
3 Manganate (VII) ions are oxidised to manganese (II) ions.
4 Potassium manganate (VII) is an oxidising agent.
A 1 and 2 B 1 and 4 C 2 and 3 D 3 and 4

Q21/N18 P22 Q16

The thermite reaction can be used to produce iron from iron (III) oxide.
The equation for the reaction is shown.
2Al + Fe2O3 → 2Fe + Al 2O3
Which statements about this reaction are correct?
1 Aluminium is the oxidising agent.
2 Aluminium is less reactive than iron.
3 Electrons are transferred from aluminium to iron.
4 The iron in the iron (III) oxide is reduced.
A 1 and 3 B 1 and 4 C 2 and 3 D 3 and 4

Q22/N18 P23 Q16

The equation for the reaction between zinc and copper (II) oxide is shown.
Zn + CuO → ZnO + Cu
Which row shows the oxidising agent and the reducing agent?

Q23/M19 P22 Q18

The reaction between magnesium and carbon dioxide is shown in the

equation.
2Mg + CO2 → 2MgO + C
Which statement describes what happens in this reaction?
A Carbon is oxidised.
B Magnesium is reduced.
C Neither oxidation nor reduction happens.
D The carbon in carbon dioxide is reduced.

Q24/M19 P22 Q19

Which changes involve reduction?

1 2I– → I2 + 2e–
2 CuO + H2 → Cu + H2O
3 Al3+ + 3e– → Al
4 Pb2+ + SO42– → PbSO4
A 1 and 2 B 1 and 4 C 2 and 3 D 3 and 4

Q25/J19 P21 Q16

Which changes represent oxidation?

1 2I– → I2 + 2e–
2 Cr(VI) → Cr(III)
3 Fe(II) → Fe(III)
A 1 and 2 B 1 and 3 C 1 only D 2 only

Q26/J19 P22 Q16

The ionic equation for the reaction of aqueous potassium bromide with
chlorine gas is shown.
2Br– + Cl 2 → Br2 + 2Cl–
Which statement is correct?
A Bromide ions are oxidised by gaining electrons.
B Bromide ions are oxidised by losing electrons.
C Chlorine is oxidised by gaining electrons.
D Chlorine is oxidised by losing electrons.

Q27/J19 P23 Q16

Which changes represent reduction?

1 Cl 2 + 2e– → 2Cl–
2 Mn (VII) → Mn(II)
3 sulfate (IV) → sulfate (VI)
A 1 and 2 B 1 and 3 C 1 only D 2 only
 Theory.

Q28/J10 P31 Q7

Titanium is a transition element. It is isolated by the following reactions.

titanium ore → titanium (IV) oxide → titanium (IV) chloride → titanium
TiO2 TiCl 4 Ti

Titanium (IV) chloride is made by heating the oxide with coke and chlorine.
TiO2 + 2Cl 2 ⇋TiCl 4 + O2
2C + O2 ⇋ 2CO

(c) Explain why the change, titanium (IV) chloride to titanium, is reduction.
........................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................[1]
Q29/J10 P32 Q3

The following are examples of redox reactions.

(a) Bromine water was added to aqueous sodium sulfide.
Br2(aq) + S2–(aq) → 2Br –(aq) + S(s)
(i) Describe what you would observe when this reaction occurs.
........................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................[2]
 (iii) Explain, in terms of electron transfer, why bromine is the oxidant
(oxidising agent) in this reaction.
........................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................[2]
(b) Iron and steel in the presence of water and oxygen form rust.

The reactions involved are:

reaction 1
Fe → Fe2+ + 2e–
The electrons move through the iron on to the surface where a colourless
gas forms.
reaction 2
Fe2+ + 2OH– → Fe(OH)2
from water
reaction 3
..........Fe (OH)2 + O2 + ..........H2O →............Fe(OH)3
The water evaporates to leave rust.
(i) What type of reaction is reaction 1?
...................................................................................................................[1]
(v) Explain why the change Fe (OH)2 to Fe(OH)3 is oxidation.
........................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................[1]
Q30/N10 P31 Q2

Two important greenhouse gases are methane and carbon dioxide.

 (a) Methane is twenty times more effective as a greenhouse gas than
carbon dioxide. The methane in the atmosphere comes from both
natural and industrial sources.
(ii) Although methane can persist in the atmosphere for up to 15
years, it is eventually Removed by oxidation.
What are the products of this oxidation?
........................................................................................................[2]

Q31/N10 P31 Q5

(b) Iron has two oxidation states +2 and +3. There are two possible
equations for the redox reaction between iron and bromine.
Fe + Br2 → Fe2+ + 2Br–
2Fe + 3Br2 → 2Fe3+ + 6Br–
(i) Indicate, on the fi rst equation, the change which is oxidation. Give a
reason for your
choice.
........................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................[2]
(ii) Which substance in the first equation is the reductant (reducing agent)?
...................................................................................................................[1]

Q32/N10 P31 Q6

The table below shows the elements in the second period of the Periodic
Table and some of their oxidation states in their most common compounds.
(a) (i) What does it mean when the only oxidation state of an element is
zero?
........................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) Explain why some elements have positive oxidation states but others
have negative ones.
........................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................[2]
Q33/J12 P31 Q4

Vanadium is a transition element. It has more than one oxidation state.

The element and its compounds are often used as catalysts.
(d) The oxidation states of vanadium in its compounds are V(+5), V(+4),
V(+3) and V(+2).
The vanadium (III) ion can behave as a reductant or an oxidant.
(i) Indicate on the following equation which reactant is the oxidant.
2V3+ + Zn → 2V2+ + Zn2+
[1]
(ii) Which change in the following equation is oxidation?
Explain your choice.
V3+ + Fe3+ → V4+ + Fe2+
........................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................[2]

Q34/J13 P31 Q5

The reactivity series shows the metals in order of reactivity.

(a) The reactivity series can be established using displacement reactions. A
piece of zinc is added to aqueous lead nitrate. The zinc becomes coated
with a black deposit of lead.
Zn + Pb2+ → Zn2+ + Pb
Zinc is more reactive than lead.
The reactivity series can be written as a list of ionic equations.
...... → ...... +.......most reactive metal: the best reductant (reducing agent)
Zn → Zn2+ + 2e–
Fe → Fe2+ + 2e–
Pb → Pb2+ + 2e–
Cu → Cu2+ + 2e–
Ag → Ag+ + e–

(iii) Explain why the positive ions are likely to be oxidants (oxidising agents).
..................................................................................................................[1]

[1]

Q35/J13 P33 Q4

Germanium is an element in Group IV. The electron distribution of a

germanium atom is 2 + 8 + 18 + 4. It has oxidation states of +2 and +4.
(d) Is the change GeCl 2 to GeCl 4 reduction, oxidation or neither? Give a
reason for your
choice.
........................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................[2]
Q36/N13 P32 Q6

The following reactivity series shows both familiar and unfamiliar elements
in order of
decreasing reactivity. Each element is represented by a redox equation.
Rb ⇋ Rb+ + e–
Mg ⇋ Mg2+ + 2e–
Mn ⇋ Mn2+ + 2e–
Zn ⇋ Zn2+ + 2e–
H2 ⇋ 2H+ + 2e–
Cu ⇋ Cu2+ + 2e–
Hg ⇋ Hg2+ + 2e–
Two of the uses of the series are to predict the thermal stability of
compounds of the metals and to explain their redox reactions.
(b) (i) Define in terms of electron transfer the term oxidation.
..................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) Explain why the positive ions in the above equations are oxidising agents.
........................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................[1]
Q37/J14 P31 Q7

One way of establishing a reactivity series is by displacement reactions.

(a) A series of experiments was carried out using the metals lead,
magnesium, zinc and silver.
Each metal was added in turn to aqueous solutions of the metal nitrates.
The order of reactivity was found to be:

(ii) Displacement reactions are redox reactions.

On the following equation, draw a ring around the reducing agent and an
arrow to show the change which is oxidation.
Zn + Pb2+ → Zn2+ + Pb
[2]
(iii) Complete the following ionic equation.
Zn + 2Ag+ → ....... + .......
[1]

Q38/J15 P31 Q3

(a) The reactions between metals and acids are redox reactions.
Zn + 2H+ → Zn2+ + H2
(i) Which change in the above reaction is oxidation, Zn to Zn2+ or 2H+ to H2?
Give a reason for your choice.
........................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................[2]
(ii) Which reactant in the above reaction is the oxidising agent? Give a
reason for your choice.
........................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................[2]

Q39/J15 P32 Q2

Calcium reacts with nitrogen to form the ionic compound calcium nitride,
Ca3N2.

(b) The reaction between calcium and nitrogen to form calcium nitride is a
redox reaction.
In terms of electron transfer, explain why calcium is the reducing agent.
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………….. [3]

Q40/N15 P31 Q7

The rate of a photochemical reaction is affected by light.

(a) The decomposition of silver bromide is the basis of film photography.
This is a redox reaction.
2AgBr → 2Ag + Br2
cream black
step 1 2Br – → Br2 + 2e–
step 2 Ag+ + e– → Ag
(i) Which step is reduction? Explain your answer.
...................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) Which ion is the oxidising agent? Explain your answer.
..................................................................................................................[1]
 7(a)(ii) silver (ion) and it accepts electrons / gets reduced / 1
oxidation state decreases;

Q41/J16 P43 Q4

(a) Potassium iodide is an ionic compound.

(i) Describe what happens, in terms of electron loss and gain, when a
potassium atom reacts with an iodine atom.
..................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................[2]

(c) When chlorine gas is bubbled through an aqueous solution of

potassium iodide, a redox reaction takes place.
2I– + Cl 2 → I2 + 2C –
(i) State the colour change expected in this reaction.
start colour ...................................................................................................
end colour......................................................................................................
[2]
(ii) Identify the reducing agent in this reaction. Explain your answer.
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................[2]
Marking Scheme:
 4(a)(i) 2

M1 movement of electron(s) from potassium to iodine; 1

M2 one electron transferred; 1

4(c)(i) 2
start colour: colourless;
1
end colour: brown;
1

4(c)(ii) 2
M1 iodide / I–;
1
M2 it is oxidised OR it loses electrons / it increases
oxidation number / it reduces the chlorine; 1

Q42/M17 P42 Q2

Silver dichromate, Ag2Cr2O7, is a red insoluble salt.

Silver dichromate can be made by reacting silver nitrate solution with
ammonium dichromate solution. The chemical equation for the reaction is
shown.
2AgNO3(aq) + (NH4)2Cr2O7(aq) → 2NH4NO3(aq) + Ag2Cr2O7(s)

(b) (i) The charge on a silver ion is +1.

Deduce the charge on the dichromate ion in Ag2Cr2O7.
..................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) Write the ionic equation for the formation of silver dichromate in this
reaction.
State symbols are not required.
..................................................................................................................[1]

Marking Scheme:

2(b)(i) 2– 1

2(b)(ii) 2Ag+ + Cr2O72– → Ag2Cr2O7 1

Q43/N17 P41 Q3

3 (a) When magnesium is added to aqueous copper (II) sulfate a reaction

occurs. The ionic equation for the reaction is shown.
Mg + Cu2+→ Mg2+ + Cu
(i) Give one change you would observe during this reaction.
.................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) Explain why this is a redox reaction.
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................[1]
(iii) Identify the oxidising agent in this reaction. Give a reason for your
answer.
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................[2]
(iv) A redox reaction occurs when magnesium is heated with iron(III) oxide.
Write a chemical equation for the reaction between magnesium and iron(III)
oxide.
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................[2]
Marking Scheme:

3(a)(i) brown / orange solid (forms / is made) OR solution becomes paler / 1

colourless

3(a)(ii) magnesium is oxidised AND copper ions are reduced 1

OR
magnesium loses electrons AND copper ions gain electrons
OR
magnesium increases in oxidation number AND copper decreases
in oxidation number

3(a)(iii) Cu2+ OR copper(II) ions OR copper ions 1

gains electrons 1

3(a)(iv) 3Mg + Fe2O3 → 3MgO + 2Fe 2

M1 Fe2O3 AND MgO
M2 fully correct

Q44/M18 P42 Q4

(c) Ammonia reacts with oxygen at high temperatures in the presence of a

suitable catalyst to form nitric oxide, NO.
4NH3(g) + 5O2(g) →4NO(g) + 6H2O(g)
(i) Explain how this chemical equation shows ammonia acting as a
reducing agent.
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................[1]
Marking Scheme:

4(c)(i) ammonia / it is oxidised / oxygen is reduced 1

Q45/ J18 P42 Q4

(f) When chlorine gas is passed through aqueous potassium bromide, a

redox reaction occurs. The ionic equation is shown.
Cl 2 + 2Br – →2Cl – + Br2
(i) Write an ionic half-equation showing what happens to the chlorine
molecules, Cl 2, in this reaction.
..................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) Explain why the bromide ions, Br –, act as reducing agents in this reaction.
..................................................................................................................[1]

Marking Scheme:

4(f)(i) Cl 2 + 2e(–) → 2Cl – 1

4(f)(ii) (bromide ions) lose electrons / donate electrons / are oxidised 1

Q46/N18 P41 Q4

(c) The gas hydrogen sulfide, H2S, is produced when concentrated sulfuric
acid is added to solid potassium iodide.
The reaction involves oxidation.
(i) Define the term oxidation in terms of electron transfer.
..................................................................................................................[1]

Marking Scheme:

4(c)(i) (oxidation is) loss of electrons 1

Q47/J19 P41 Q3

(d) A compound of copper can be used to test for water.

(i) State the full name of this compound of copper.
................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) State the colour change that occurs when water is added to this
compound of copper.
from..............................................................to................................................
[2]
(e) Aqueous potassium iodide reacts with aqueous copper(II) sulfate to
produce iodine.
(i) Balance the chemical equation for this reaction.
KI + CuSO4 → CuI + I2 + K2SO4
[2]
(ii) Deduce the charge on the copper ion in CuI.
...................................................................................................................[1]
(iii) In terms of electron transfer, explain why copper is reduced in this
reaction.
..................................................................................................................[1]
(iv) Identify the reducing agent.
..................................................................................................................[1]

Marking Scheme:

3(d)(i) anhydrous copper(II) sulfate 1

3(d)(ii) white (1) 2

blue (1)
 3(e)(i) 4KI + 2CuSO4 → 2CuI + I2 + 2K2SO4 (2) 2

3(e)(ii) 1+ 1

3(e)(iii) gains electron(s) 1

3(e)(iv) KI / potassium iodide / iodide (ions) / I– 1

Q48/J19 P42 Q7

(a) Displacement reactions occur between metals and metal ions.

Displacement reactions can be used to determine the order of reactivity of
metals such as lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and silver (Ag).
The ionic equation for a displacement reaction is shown.
Ni(s) + Pb2+(aq) → Pb(s) + Ni2+(aq)
The ionic half-equations for this reaction are shown.
Ni(s) → Ni2+(aq) + 2e–
Pb2+(aq) + 2e– →Pb(s)
The ionic half-equations show that electrons are donated by nickel atoms
and accepted by lead ions.
(i) Identify the reducing agent in the displacement reaction. Give a reason
for your answer.
reducing agent................................................................................................
reason............................................................................................................
[2]
(ii) What is the general term given to the type of reaction in which electrons
are transferred from one species to another?
................................................................................................................[1]
(b) The ionic equation for another displacement reaction is shown.
Pb(s) + 2Ag+(aq) → 2Ag(s) + Pb2+(aq)
Write the two ionic half-equations for this reaction.
1. .....................................................................................................................
2. .....................................................................................................................
[2]

Marking Scheme:

7(a)(i) M1 Ni / Nickel (1) 2

M2 (it) loses or donates electrons (1)

7(a)(ii) redox 1

7(b) M1 Pb → Pb2+ + 2e(–) / (1) 1

M2 Ag+ + e(–) → Ag (1)