HKCEE PAST PAPER 87-94/SECTION 3/LQ/PAGE 1

Section 3 Chemical Cells and Electrolysis

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1989 Q.4(a)

A student used the set-up below to study the conductivity of aqueous solutions of several solutes:

The experimental results were tabulated as follows:

Experiment Solute Ammeter reading (A) Other observation

I Sugar 0 No observable change
II Sodium 0.5 Gas bubbles were liberated at both
sulphate electrodes Q and R but at different rates.
III Copper(II) 0.5 Gas bubbles were liberated from ONE
sulphate electrode only. 0.22 g of copper was
deposited on the other electrode.

(i) Why was there no ammeter reading in experiment I, while ammeter readings were obtained in
experiments II and III?
(ii) In experiment II, name the gas liberated at
(1) electrode Q.
(2) electrode R.
Explain why gas bubbles were liberated at different rates.
(iii) In experiment III,
(1) explain the observations by writing ionic equations for the reactions which occurred at
electrodes Q and R respectively.
(2) describe briefly how you would confirm that the deposit was copper by a chemical test.
State the reagents you would use and give the observations expected.
(3) calculate the time required to deposit 0.22 g of copper. [out of syllabus]
(Given: Relative atomic mass of copper = 63.5;
Faraday constant = 96500 C mol-1)
(10/13 marks)
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1990 Q.4(a)

Diagram I shows a set-up for the electrolysis of 0.5M potassium bromide solution. After passing
electricity for some time, gas bubbles were observed at electrode A, while the solution around
electrode B turned yellowish-brown. This colouration gradually extended to the bottom of the U-
tube and a steady colour boundary was formed as shown in diagram II.

(i) Which of the electrodes was the cathode?

(ii) Name the gas produced at electrode A, and suggest a chemical test to identify this gas.
 HKCEE PAST PAPER 87-94/SECTION 3/LQ/PAGE 2

(iii) Write half equations for the reactions that occurred during electrolysis at electrodes A and B.
(iv) If 3600 coulombs of electricity were passed, what volume of gas would be produced at
electrode A at room temperature and pressure? (out of syllabus)
(v) Name the electrolysis product responsible for producing the yellowish-brown colour and
explain why the colour extended to the bottom of the U-tube.
(vi) (1) What ions would migrate from the solution around electrode A towards electrode B
during electrolysis?
(2) One of these ions reacted with the yellowish-brown solution. Name this ion.
(3) Briefly explain with the aid of an equation, why a steady colour boundary was formed.
[Faraday constant = 96500 C mol-1;
Molar volume of gas at room temperature and pressure = 24 dm3]
(11/14 marks)
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1991 Q.2(c)]

Iron sheets can be tin-plated by electrolysis of either tin(II) or tin(IV) compounds before they are
used to make food cans.

(i) In above electrolysis, what material should be used as the anode?

(ii) Based on the quantity of electricity consumed, determine whether the use of tin(II) or tin(IV)
compound is more economical in the electrolysis process.
(iii) Give one reason to explain why iron is first tin-plated before food cans are made from it.
(iv) If the tin-plated iron sheet has been scratched to expose the iron, can it still be used to make a
food can? Explain.
(6 marks)
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1991 Q.4(b)

The following diagram shows the longitudinal section of a dry cell:

(i) Name the material commonly used for making

(1) P
(2) Q
(ii) State the oxidizing agent.
(iii) A dry cell often leaks after prolonged usage.
(1) Explain the cause of leakage based on the reaction that occurs at Q.
(2) The leaked solution is suspected to contain ammonium ions and chloride ions. Suggest a
chemical test to identify each of these ions.
(9 marks)
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1991 Q.5(b)

Iodine and a compound G are formed when solid sodium iodide reacts with concentrated
sulphuric acid according to the following balanced equations:

NaI + H2SO4 → NaHSO4 + HI .......... (1)

8 HI + H2SO4 → G + 4 I2 + 4 H2O .......... (2)

(i) Suggest the chemical formula for G.

(ii) What is the function of concentrated sulphuric acid in equation (2)?
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(iii) If sodium chloride is used in place of sodium iodide, will similar reactions occur? Explain
your answer.

Iodine can also be produced from sodium iodide solution by electrolysis using the following set-
up.

(iv) (1) At which electrode will iodine be formed?

(2) What would be observed at electrodes X and Y respectively during electrolysis? Write
half-equations for the reactions involved.

(v) What would be the time required to produce 2.54 g of iodine if the current used were 0.5 A
during electrolysis? (out of syllabus)
(Faraday constant = 96500 C mol-1 ;
Relative atomic mass: I = 127.0)
(9/12 marks)
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1993 Q.2(a)

Tuning knobs on radios are often made of plastic plated with metal coatings.

(i) State TWO reasons why plastics are used in the manufacture of tuning knobs.
(ii) What is the purpose of plating the knobs with metals?

The plastic knobs are first coated with copper and then electroplated with nickel. The
electroplating can be conducted using the following set-up:

(iii) Why is the plastic knob first coated with copper before electroplating?
(iv) Write an ionic equation for the reaction that occurs at the cathode during electroplating.
(v) If a current of 0.15 A is passed through the electroplating tank for 20 minutes, calculate the
mass of nickel plated on the knob. (out of syllabus)
(Faraday constant = 96500 C mol-1 ;
Relative atomic mass: Ni = 58.7)
(5/8 marks)
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1994 Q.7(a)
 HKCEE PAST PAPER 87-94/SECTION 3/LQ/PAGE 4

In the above diagram, P and Q are two different metals. When the circuit is closed, a current flows
in the external circuit. After some time, 0.36 g of copper is deposited on the carbon electrode R.

(i) (1) What is the direction of electron flow in the external circuit? Explain your answer.
(2) Calculate the quantity of electricity that has passed through the circuit. (out of syllabus)
(ii) After the circuit has been closed for some time, what would be observed
(1) at the carbon electrode S?
(2) in the copper(II) sulphate solution?
(iii) What is the function of set-up X in this experiment?
(iv) Which of the metals, P or Q, occupies a higher position in the electrochemical series? Explain
your answer.
(Faraday constant = 96500 C mol-1 ;
Relative atomic mass: Cu = 63.5)
(7/10 marks)
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<END OF SECTION 3>