Raffles Institution (Junior College)

H2 Chemistry 2010/11
Tutorial 20 Electrochemistry
Prepared by: Mr Alfred Chan
Lecturer: Dr Rahman Bin Yallee / Mr Alfred Chan

SelfCheck
1.

Define the terms:

(i)
standard electrode potential

(ii) standard cell potential

[4]

2.

Describe how the standard electrode potentials of the following halfcells are measured
(with the aid of suitable diagrams):
(i)
Cu2+/Cu
(ii) Fe3+ / Fe2+
[6]

3.

For the two given halfcells: Co2+ / Co and Cl2 / Cl.

(i)
State which will be the positive and which will be the negative electrode when the
two halfcells are connected.
(ii)
Write the equation for the cell reaction.
(iii)
Calculate the value of Ecell.
[Ans. Ecell = +1.64 V]
[3]

Questions
1(a)

For the following cells made up of the two halfcells:

(1)
Cu2+ / Cu and Cr2O72 / Cr3+
(2)
O2 / H2O2 and H2O2 / H2O
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

(b)

Identify the cathode and anode and write the reactions occurring at the electrodes.
Write the overall cell reaction.
Calculate Ecell.
Draw the experimental setup (fully labelled) used to measure Ecell. Indicate on
your drawing the direction of electron flow in the external circuit.
[14]

For the cell in (a)(1), predict the effect on Ecell if the following changes are imposed:
(i)
Adding Na2CO3 (aq) to the Cu2+ / Cu halfcell.
(ii)
Adding some potassium bromide pellets to the Cr2O72- / Cr3+ halfcell.

[4]

(c)

For the cell in (a)(2),

(i)
Suggest two different changes which would decrease Ecell (i.e. Ecell < Ecell).
(ii)
Explain why a solution of hydrogen peroxide gives off bubbles of oxygen on
standing. What is the name given to such a reaction?
[4]

2.

Using E data, predict whether the following pairs of reagents are likely to react when
mixed. Write a balanced equation for each reaction you predict will occur and describe
what is observed.
(a)
I (aq) and Fe2+ (aq)
(b)
H2O2 (aq) and I (aq)
(c)
SO2 (aq) and Cr2O72 (aq) in acidic medium
(d)
O2 (g) and Cr2+ (aq) in neutral conditions
[11]

3.

Electrochemical cells which produce energy by the oxidation of a fuel are known as fuel
cells. One particular fuel cell is set up using 2 platinum electrodes immersed in dilute
sulphuric acid. Oxygen gas is bubbled over the first electrode while methane gas is
bubbled over the second. The two electrodes are connected by a wire.
(a)
Write a halfequation for the reaction involving oxygen at the first electrode.
[1]
(b)
Write a halfequation for the reaction involving methane at the second electrode. [1]
(c)
Write the net equation for the overall reaction in the cell.
[1]
(d)
Why is it unnecessary to construct the fuel cell with two separate fuel cells?
[1]
(e)
Draw a labeled diagram of the fuel cell, indicating the direction of electron flow, the
anode and the cathode.
[3]
(f)
Write a chemical equation for the complete combustion of methane in oxygen. [1]
(g)
What do you notice about the equations in (c) and (f)?
[1]
(h)
What is the advantage of using methane in a fuel cell rather than producing the
energy through combustion in oxygen?
[1]

4.

Explain each of the following as fully as you can. Quote relevant E when appropriate.
(a)
Potassium dichromate(VI), but not potassium manganate(VII), can be used for the
titrimetric determination of iron(II) ions in the presence of chloride ions.
[3]
(b)
Aluminium is extracted by electrolysis of its molten ore, while lead is extracted by
reduction of its oxide with carbon.
[3]
(c)
When concentrated aqueous sodium ethanoate is electrolysed, hydrogen is
produced at the cathode. At the anode, a mixture of two gases, A and B, in the ratio
of 2:1 by volume is produced. The gas B contains 80% of C by mass.
[6]

5.

Calculations involving electrolysis.

(a)
Using inert electrodes, a current was passed through two beakers containing
aqueous silver nitrate(V) and aqueous chromium(III) sulfate solution, connected in
series. After 30 min, 0.100 g of silver was deposited from the first solution.
Calculate
(i)
the number of moles of silver deposited.
[9.26 x 104 mol]
(ii)
the current passed.
[0.05 A]
(iii)
the mass of chromium deposited from the aqueous chromium(III) sulphate
solution.
[0.0160 g]
[5]
(b)

An aluminium object with a surface area of 500 cm2 is to be anodised. How many
coulombs of electricity are needed to increase the oxide layer by 1 x 103 cm in
thickness? (Density of Al2O3 = 4.0 g cm3).
[11 348 C]
[3]

(c)

Calculate the ratio of the mass of silver to the mass of nickel deposited on the
cathodes when the same current is passed through an electrolytic cell containing
aqueous silver nitrate(V) and aqueous nickel(II) sulfate(VI) solution connected in
series.
[3.68:1]
[2]

(d)

When a current is passed through a cell containing copper(II) sulfate solution using
inert electrodes, copper is deposited at the cathode while oxygen is evolved at the
anode. What volume of oxygen at room temperature and pressure would be
produced if enough current were passed for a sufficient time to deposit 0.635 g of
copper?
[0.12 dm3]
[3]

Additional Questions (Optional)

A1

A cell is made up of a Cu(s)Cu2+(aq) halfcell and a Fe3+(aq), Fe2+(aq)Pt(s) halfcell.

(note: the symbol is used to denote the phase difference between the solid electrode
and aqueous electrolyte used.)
(i)
Calculate the standard potential of the cell.
[1]
(ii)
Write an equation for the reaction occurring in each halfcell and a balanced
equation for the overall reaction which takes place when current flows.
[3]

(iii)
It is not possible to use E cell reliably to decide whether a chemical reaction will
occur; suggest why it is nevertheless probable that the reaction for which you have
written in (ii) will proceed when performed in a testtube.
[1]
2+
(iv)
Suggest a replacement of the Cu(s)Cu (aq) halfcell which will reverse the
direction of the electron flow in the Fe3+(aq), Fe2+(aq) Pt(s) halfcell. State both
the electrode and the reagents of your new halfcell.
[2]

A2

Batteries for electric car can be made with one electrode of zinc, and the other of carbon.
During discharge, the zinc dissolves as ions, which migrate through the electrolyte to the
carbon electrode, where they combine with oxygen from the air and water to form zinc
hydroxide.
(i)
By choosing two suitable electrode processes from the Data Booklet, write the
overall equation for the reaction that occurs during discharge. Calculate the e.m.f.
of the battery assuming standard conditions.
[2]
(ii)
Sketch a diagram of the above cell, showing which battery electrode provides
electrons to the external circuit (i.e. the negative electrode).
[2]
(iii)
Suggest a suitable substance to use as an electrolyte.
[1]