Using the electrolysis of copper(II) chloride solution as the example, briefly discuss

the factors affecting the discharge of ions in electrolysis

Ans
Position of ion in the electrochemical series
( 1 mark for stating the factor and 1 mark for explanation in terms of comparison of
twodischarging processes. )

If carbon / platinum / copper ( any appropriate material ) is used as the cathode,Cu2+ ions
instead of H+ ions will be discharged because Cu2+ ion occupies a lower position on the
E.C.S ( Cu2+ ion is more easily to be reduced / has a stronger oxidizing power than H+ )

OR

In the electrolysis of dilute CuCl2(aq) using carbon / platinum as anode ( any appropriate
material ),OH ions instead of Cl ions will be discharged because OH
occupies a higher position in the e.c.s.
( OH ion is more easily to be oxidized / has a stronger reducing power than Cl )
Concentration of ion
( 1 mark for stating the factor and 1 mark for explanation in terms of comparison of two
discharging processes. )
In the electrolysis of very dilute / dilute CuCl2(aq) using carbon / platinum as anode, OH
ions will be discharged / O2 is liberated at the anode.
If concentrated CuCl2(aq) is used, Cl ions will be discharged / chlorine gas will be liberated
instead.

Nature of electrode
( 1 mark for stating the factor and 1 mark for explanation in terms of comparison of two
discharging processes. )

If carbon / platinum is used as the anode, Cl2 / O2 ( conc. / dilute ) will be liberated at the
anode.If copper is used as the anode, the anode will dissolve / oxidize.
6 marks
Chemical Knowledge ( 6 marks ) + Effective Communication ( 3 marks )
2005 Q7
A chemical cell can be made from two metal strips and a lemon. Given the following
materials and equipment, outline how you can set up a chemical cell with the
maximum output voltage.
(A lemon, a copper strip , a magnesium strip , a zinc strip, a multimeter and several
connecting wires )

ANS
2009 Q13
Electrolysis can be applied to enhance the corrosion resistance of iron. Describe the
chemical principle involved in this application. Your description should include the
chemical reactions involved, and the use of appropriate electrodes and electrolyte.
(diagram do not required )

6marks

A. The protective layer plated on iron can be a metal such as nickel / chromium/
copper / silver .
B. Electrolyte used is an aqueous salt solution of the metal. Example : nickel(II)
sulphate (solution)
C. The metal (e.g. Ni) should be made anode( positive electrode / connected to
positive pole of power supply)
D. The iron object should be made cathode (negative electrode / connected to
negative pole of power supply)
E. The metal (eg Ni ) is oxidized / loses electrons to form inos.
(accept half equation )
F. The metal ions (e.g. Ni2+)are reduced /gain electrons on iron (cathode) surface to
form metal (e.g. Ni)
(accept half equation )

Effective communication 3marks