HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)

Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

Chemistry: Chapter 29 Simple chemical cells

Combined Science (Chemistry Part): Chapter 29 Simple chemical cells

Structured questions

Sections 29.129.2
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A student made a chemical cell with a lemon, a zinc foil, a lead foil, some connecting
wires and a voltmeter.

(a) Draw a labelled diagram to show the set-up of a lemon cell. Indicate the direction
of electron flow. (3 marks)

(b) Name an electrolyte that is present in a lemon cell. (1 mark)

(c) The student stated that in order to get a higher voltage, the zinc foil should be
replaced with an aluminium foil. Comment on the statement. (1 mark)

##
(a)

electron flow

zinc foil lead foil

lemon

Correct drawing 1

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 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

Correct labels 1
Correct indication of the direction of electron flow 1
(b) Citric acid (Accept other reasonable answers) 1
(c) The statement is correct. Aluminium is more reactive than zinc and so it
loses electrons more readily than zinc. 1
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Consider the following chemical cell:

iron copper

0.1 M sulphuric acid

(a) State the direction of electron flow in the external circuit of the cell. (1 mark)

(b) Identify the positive electrode of the cell. (1 mark)

(c) If iron is replaced by silver, explain whether there is any change in the direction
of electron flow in the external circuit. (2 marks)

(d) If 0.2 M sulphuric acid is used as the electrolyte instead, what would happen to
the reading of the voltmeter? Explain your answer. (2 marks)

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(a) From iron to copper 1
(b) Copper electrode 1
(c) Electrons will flow from copper to silver. 1

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 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

As copper is more reactive than silver, it loses electrons more readily. 1

(d) The reading would be higher. 1
0.2 M sulphuric acid contains more mobile ions to conduct electricity. 1
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To determine the relative position of chromium and nickel in the Electrochemical
Series, a student used the following set-up to measure the voltage of the cell of the
metal couple.

+ 
nickel

filter paper soaked in

sodium nitrate solution
chromium
(a) What are the uses of the filter paper in the set-up? (2 marks)

(b) The reading of the voltmeter shows a positive sign.

(i) Identify the positive electrode in the set-up. (1 mark)

(ii) State and explain whether chromium or nickel is at a higher position in the
Electrochemical Series. (2 marks)

(c) Though chromium is less reactive than iron, it can protect iron from rusting.
(i) Suggest how chromium can protect iron from rusting. (1 mark)

(ii) Predict, with explanation, whether rusting would be faster or slower when
an iron nail is wrapped with a nickel wire. (2 marks)

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 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

##
(a) The filter paper separates the two metal strips, preventing a short circuit. 1
The salt solution allows movements of ions to complete the circuit. 1
(b) (i) Nickel 1
(ii) Chromium is at a higher position in the Electrochemical Series. 1
Electrons flow from chromium to nickel in the external circuit and
so chromium loses electrons more readily than nickel. 1
(c) (i) By chromium-plating / making stainless steel 1
(ii) The rate of rusting would be higher. 1
Nickel is less reactive than iron and hence iron will lose electrons
more readily. 1
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##

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Consider the following two simple cells:

metal P iron metal Q metal P

dilute dilute
hydrochloric hydrochloric
acid acid
cell A cell B
(a) State the function of dilute hydrochloric acid in the two cells. (1 mark)

(b) Arrange metal P, metal Q and iron in ascending order of the tendencies of the
metals to lose electrons. (1 mark)

(c) Consider cell A.

(i) Write the half equation for the reaction at the iron electrode. (1 mark)

(ii) Suggest why the voltage drops rapidly after the cell operates. (1 mark)
© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 29
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(d) For cell B, would the polarity of the metal Q electrode change if metal P is
replaced by zinc? Explain your answer. (2 marks)

##
(a) It acts as an electrolyte. 1
(b) metal Q < iron < metal P 1
(c) (i) 2H+(aq) + 2e  H2(g) 1
(ii) Hydrogen forms on the surface of the iron electrode. This increases
the resistance of the cell and so the voltage drops rapidly. 1
(d) The polarity of the metal Q electrode does not change. 1
Zinc is more reactive than iron and so zinc is also more reactive than
metal Q. Metal Q would still be the positive electrode of the cell. 1
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*Briefly describe how you would set up a simple chemical cell, using the following
apparatus and materials, to light up a small bulb. (5 marks)
a beaker, a magnesium ribbon, a copper foil, common salt, distilled water, two
connecting wires fitted with crocodile clips at both ends, a small light bulb

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 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

- Prepare a beaker of common salt solution by dissolving common salt in

distilled water. 1
- Dip the copper foil and the magnesium ribbon into the beaker of common
salt solution. 1
- Make sure that the copper foil and the magnesium ribbon do not touch
each other. 1
- Connect the copper foil and magnesium ribbon to a small light bulb with
connecting wires. The bulb glows. 1
- Communication mark 1
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The following set-up is used to compare the voltages of different metal couples. Metal
X could be copper, iron or zinc.

metal X copper

dilute
sulphuric acid

(a) Write the overall equation for the set-up when metal X is zinc. (1 mark)

(b) State TWO observable changes in the cell when metal X is iron. (2 marks)

(c) Complete the following table by matching the metals (copper, iron or zinc) with
the voltage. (3 marks)

Voltage (V) Metal X

+0.92
+0.49
0.00

(d) Arrange copper, iron and zinc in descending order of their tendencies to lose

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 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

electrons. (1 mark)

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(a) Zn(s) + 2H+(aq)  Zn2+(aq) + H2(g) 1
(b) Any TWO:
The iron electrode dissolves / the solution turns pale green / colourless
gas bubbles evolve at the copper electrode. 2
(c)
Voltage (V) Metal X
+0.92 zinc 1
+0.49 iron 1
0.00 copper 1
(d) Zinc > iron > copper 1
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A student set up a simple chemical cell as shown below. The student found that the
digital multimeter reading dropped continuously.
digital multimeter

copper can lead rod

copper(II) sulphate solution

(a) Write a half equation for the reaction occurring on the inner wall of the copper
can. (1 mark)

(b) Write a half equation for the reaction occurring on the lead rod. (1 mark)

(c) Hence, explain the decrease of voltage. (2 marks)

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 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(d) The student replaced the solution in the can with very dilute nitric acid. State
TWO observable changes in the set-up. (2 marks)

##
(a) Cu2+(aq) + 2e  Cu(s) 1
(b) Pb(s)  Pb2+(aq) + 2e / Pb(s) + SO42(aq)  PbSO4(s) + 2e 1
(c) A layer of insoluble lead(II) sulphate formed on the surface of the lead rod. 1
The conductivity of the rod was thus largely reduced. 1
(d) Any TWO:
Colourless gas bubbles form on the inner wall of the can / colourless gas
bubbles form on the lead rod / the lead rod dissolves. 2
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Section 29.3
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Consider the following chemical cell. The digital multimeter shows a reading when
the switch is closed.

digital multimeter

copper electrode zinc electrode

porous pot
copper(II) sulphate
dilute sulphuric acid
solution

(a) Write half equations for the reactions taking place at the zinc electrode and
copper electrode respectively. (2 marks)

(b) What is the direction of electron flow in the external circuit? (1 mark)

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 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(c) What is the use of the porous pot? (1 mark)

(d) In what direction do the sulphate ions pass through the porous pot? Explain your
answer. (2 marks)

(e) State and explain the change of the voltmeter reading if the zinc electrode is
replaced by a copper electrode. (2 marks)

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(a) Zinc electrode: Zn  Zn2+ + 2e 1
Copper electrode: Cu2+ + 2e  Cu 1
(b) From zinc electrode to copper electrode 1
(c) The porous pot separates the two electrolyte solutions and prevents them
from direct mixing / the porous pot allows ions to pass through to
complete the circuit. 1
(d) The sulphate ions would move from the outside to the inside of the
porous pot. 1
This is because there is an excess of zinc ions inside the porous pot, thus
attracting the negatively charged sulphate ions. 1
(e) The voltmeter reading will become zero. 1
As there is no difference in the tendency of losing electrons between the
two electrodes, there will be no electron flow in the external circuit. 1
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© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 29

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

Consider the following chemical cell:

electron flow
salt bridge
metal X metal Y

solution of solution of
nitrate of X nitrate of Y

(a) State and explain whether X or Y is more reactive. (1 mark)

(b) Which metal is the positive pole of the cell? (1 mark)

(c) (i) How can a salt bridge be prepared? (1 mark)

(ii) State ONE function of the salt bridge. (1 mark)

(iii) What would happen if the salt bridge is removed? (2 marks)

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(a) Since electrons flow from metal Y to metal X, metal Y is more reactive. 1
(b) Metal X 1
(c) (i) It can be prepared by soaking a strip of filter paper in sodium nitrate
solution (accept other suitable electrolytes). 1
(ii) To complete the circuit by allowing ions to move from one half cell
into the other. / It provides ions to balance the charges in the
solutions of the two half cells. 1
(iii) There would be excess charges in the two half cells. 1
The reaction would stop. / The voltmeter reading would drop to zero. 1
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© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 29

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

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Consider the following chemical cell:

electron flow

nickel aluminium

nicke(II) nitrate aluminium

solution nitrate solution

porous partition
(a) What are the functions of the porous partition? (2 marks)

(b) State and explain whether nickel or aluminium is more reactive. (2 marks)

(c) Write half equations for the reactions at each side of the cell. (2 marks)

(d) Suggest ONE way to increase the voltage of the cell. (1 mark)

##
(a) It prevents the direct mixing of the two electrolytes, 1
but allows ions to pass through to complete the circuit. 1
(b) Aluminium is more reactive. 1
As electrons flow from aluminium to nickel, aluminium loses electrons
more readily. 1
(c) Al(s)  Al (aq) + 3e
3+ 
1
Ni2+(aq) + 2e  Ni(s) 1
(d) Replace nickel with a less reactive metal (e.g. copper). (Accept other
reasonable answers) 1
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© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 29
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

7
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Consider the following chemical cell:

salt bridge
metal A metal B

solution of solution of
chloride of A chloride of B

The reactivities of three metals (X, Y and Z) were tested using the above set-up. The
results were listed in the following table:

Experiment Metal A Metal B Direction of electron flow in the

external circuit
1 X Y From B to A
2 Y Z From A to B
3 X Z ?

(a) (i) State ONE function of the salt bridge. (1 mark)

(ii) Suggest an electrolyte that can be used to prepare the salt bridge. (1 mark)

(b) Consider experiment 1.

(i) If X is copper, state ONE observable change around metal A. (1 mark)

(ii) Write a half equation for the reaction involved. (1 mark)

(c) Consider experiment 3. It is known that Z does not react with cold water. If X is
zinc, suggest what Z is when electrons flow from
(i) A to B; (1 mark)

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 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(ii) B to A. (1 mark)

(d) Explain whether Y can protect Z from corrosion by sacrificial protection. (1 mark)

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(a) (i) It completes the circuit by allowing ions to move from one half cell
into the other / it provides ions to balance the charges in the
solutions of the two half cells. 1
(ii) Sodium nitrate solution (accept other reasonable answers) 1
(b) (i) Reddish brown solid forms on the electrode / the colour of the
solution becomes paler. 1
(ii) Cu2+(aq) + 2e  Cu(s) 1
(c) (i) Iron / lead / copper / silver 1
(ii) Magnesium / aluminium 1
(d) Y can protect Z from corrosion as Y loses electrons more readily than Z. 1
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A Daniell cell is sometimes used as a direct current source in laboratories.

digital multimeter
 +

copper container zinc rod

porous device copper(II) sulphate solution

zinc sulphate solution

(a) Write the overall equation for the cell reaction. (1 mark)

(b) Does the voltage measured have a positive sign or a negative sign? (1 mark)

(c) State TWO functions of the porous device. (2 marks)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 29
 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(d) A Daniell cell can be recharged. This can be done by connecting the positive
terminal of a d.c. source to the copper electrode, and the negative terminal to the
zinc electrode. Write half equations for the reaction at each half cell during the
recharging process. (2 marks)

##
(a) Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq)  Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s) 1
(b) A positive sign 1
(c) It prevents direct mixing of the two electrolytes. 1
It completes the circuit by allowing ions to move from one electrolyte
into the other. 1
(d) Zinc half cell: Zn (aq) + 2e  Zn(s)
2+ 
1
Copper half cell: Cu(s)  Cu2+(aq) + 2e 1
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Consider the following chemical cell:

salt bridge
Ag Cu

0.10 M AgNO3(aq) 0.10 M Cu(NO3)2(aq)

(a) Briefly describe how to prepare 100.0 cm3 of 0.10 M AgNO3(aq) from 1.0 M
AgNO3(aq). (2 marks)

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 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(b) State and explain the direction of electron flow in the external circuit. (2 marks)

(c) Explain why it is NOT suitable to prepare the salt bridge by using potassium
chloride solution. (1 mark)

(d) State ONE observable change of the chemical cell if the copper electrode is
replaced by an iron electrode. (1 mark)

##
(a) Using a 10.0 cm3 pipette, transfer 10.0 cm3 of 1.0 M AgNO3(aq) into a
100.0 cm3 volumetric flask. 1
Add distilled water to the volumetric flask until the bottom of the
meniscus reaches the graduation mark. 1
(b) Electrons flow from copper to silver in the external circuit. 1
This is because copper loses electrons more readily than silver. 1
(c) Chloride ions form insoluble silver chloride with silver ions. 1
(d) The iron electrode dissolves / reddish brown solid forms on the iron
electrode / the solution changes from blue to green. 1
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© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 29