CHAPTER 6: ELECTROCHEMISTRY

A ELECTROLYTES AND NON-ELECTROLYTES

Learning Outcomes:
You should be able to:
state the meaning of electrolyte,
classify substances into electrolytes and non-electrolytes.
relate the presence of freely moving ions to electrical conductivity.

Activity 1
1. State the meaning of electrolyte:
An electrolyte is a substance that can conduct (a) in (b)
state or (c) . (d). and undergo (e)
(f).......................
2. A non-electrolyte is a substance that cannot conduct (g). either in
(h). state or (i).. solution.
3. Ionic compounds in molten state or in aqueous solution are electrolytes
because these substances contain freely (j) .

4. Covalent compounds are non-electrolytes and these substances contain neutral

(k) ................... and no freely (l)

However,

certain covalent compounds such as hydrogen chloride, ammonia and ethanoic

acid when dissolved in water are electrolytes. This is because these compounds react
with water to produce freely (m)

..

5. Ionic compounds in molten state or in aqueous solution are electrolytes while covalent
compounds and ionic compounds in solid state are non-electrolytes. Metals are nonelectrolytes but are good conductors of electricity.
Classify the substances in the text box below into electrolyte and non-electrolyte
Solid lead(II) chloride, molten aluminium oxide, lead(II) nitrate solution, solid sodium
chloride, sodium chloride solution, magnesium, molten lead(II) chloride, glucose
solution, glacial ethanoic acid, dilute ethanoic acid, molten naphthalene, ethanol, silver,
tetrachloromethane, sodium hydroxide solution, aqueous ammonia

Electrolyte

Non-electrolyte

B ELECTROLYSIS OF MOLTEN COMPOUNDS

Learning Outcomes:
You should be able to:
describe electrolysis,
describe electrolytic cell,
identify cations and anions in a molten compound,
describe evidence for the existence of ions held in a lattice in solid state but move freely in
molten state,
describe electrolysis of a molten compound,
write half-equations for the discharge of ions at anode and cathode,
predict products of the electrolysis of molten compounds.

Activity 2
1. What do you understand by the term electrolysis?
Electrolysis is a process whereby compounds in (a) .................... or (b) ..
states are broken down (or decomposed) into their constituent (c) by
passing (d) . through them.
2. Anode is the electrode which is connected to the (e) . terminal of a
battery.
3. Cathode is the electrode which is connected to the (f) terminal of a
battery.
4. Carbon or platinum is chosen as electrodes as they are chemically inert or unreactive.
5. The diagram below shows the set-up of apparatus of electrolysis of molten lead(II)
bromide. Name the main apparatus and materials in the diagram.

Activity 3
1. Diagram 3.1 shows the relationship between the presence of freely moving ions and
electrical conductivity.
The box below shows a list of statements that explain the why ionic compound in solid
state do not conduct electricity but will conduct electricity in aqueous solution. The
statements are arranged in random order.
Choose the correct statement from the box below and write it into the correct text box in
Diagram 3.1.

 During electrolysis cations are attracted to the cathode and anions are attracted to the anode.
Solid sodium chloride contains sodium ions and chloride ions which are in fixed position and
not freely moving.
In solid state, sodium ions and chloride ions are strongly attracted by electrostatic forces in a
lattice.
Electric circuit is complete due to the flow of electrons along the connecting wires and
movement of ions in the solution.
If the electrodes are placed further apart, the ammeter reading will decrease because there
will be an increase in internal resistance.
Aqueous sodium chloride contains freely moving ions to conduct electricity.

Diagram 3.1
2. Colour all the cations red and the anions blue in solid sodium chloride and in the
electrolyte in Diagram 3.1 above.

Activity 4
1. Given below is a list of ionic compounds in molten state. Identify the cation and anion in
each electrolyte.
Electrolyte
(Molten)

Cation
Name

Anion
Formula

Name

Formula

Sodium chloride
Lead(II) oxide
Potassium bromide
2. Given below is a list of electrolytes and products discharged at both electrodes. Based
on the given substance discharged at the electrode, write a half equation to represent
the reaction occurring at the electrode.
Electrolyte
(molten)

Substance discharged at the electrodes

and the half equation
Anode

(i) Aluminium oxide

Cathode

Oxygen gas
Half equation:

Aluminium
Half equation:

.. ..
(ii) Potassium iodide

Iodine
Half equation:

Potassium
Half equation:

(iii) Sodium chloride

Chlorine gas
Half equation:

..
Sodium
Half equation:

.. .
(iv) Zinc bromide

Bromine gas
Half equation:

Zinc
Half equation:

.. .

Activity 5
1 The flow chart below is used to predict the products formed at the electrodes during the
electrolysis of molten lead(II) bromide.

Molten lead(II) bromide

Consists of
(Ions that are present)

( Movement of ions)
To anode
To cathode

(Half equation)
At Anode
At Cathode

(Products formed)
At Anode
At Cathode

2. In the spaces below, draw a similar flow chart (as in question 1) to predict the products
formed at the electrodes from the electrolysis of molten zinc chloride, ZnCl2.
C

ELECTROLYSIS OF AQUEOUS SOLUTION

Learning Outcomes:
You should be able to:
identify cations and anions in an aqueous solution,
describe the electrolysis of an aqueous solution,
explain using examples factors affecting electrolysis of an aqueous solution,
write half equations for the discharge of ions at the anode and the cathode,
predict the products of electrolysis of aqueous solutions.

Activity 6
1. State three factors that may influence the selective discharge of ions during the
electrolysis of an aqueous solution.
(a)
(b) .
(c) .

2. In an aqueous solution of sodium chloride, apart from sodium ions, Na+ and chloride
ions, Cl-- , ions, and .ions,
from the slight dissociation of water are also present.
3.

List the electrochemistry series (cations and anions) in order of increasing ease of
discharge.
Ease of discharge increases
Cation: .
Anion: ..

4. The following statements refer to the factors that affect the electrolysis of an aqueous
solution. Fill in the blanks.
(a)

The ions that are placed in the electrochemical series will be

.. discharged.

(b)

If the concentration of a particular ion is , the ion is ..

(c) In the electrolysis of copper(II) sulphate, CuSO4 ..using copper

electrodes, no ions are discharged at the anode. Instead, the copper anode
and in the electrolyte.

Activity 7
The diagram below shows the set-up of apparatus of an electrolytic cell containing
concentrated copper(II) sulphate solution. Two test tubes filled with copper(II) sulphate
solution were placed over the electrodes J and K to collect any gas evolved. The switch is
then turned on so that electrolysis of copper(II) sulphate solution can occur.

(a) Identify the cations and the anions present in the aqueous solution.
Cations: .. Anions: ..
(b) Identify which electrode ( J or K ) is the anode and the cathode:

Anode .. Cathode .
(c) (i) Which ion is selectively discharge at the anode?
(ii) Give a reason for your answer in (c) (i). ..
...
(iii) What do you observe at the anode?
(iv) Give one test to confirm the gas released at K.
.
(v) Write a half equation to represent the discharge of ions at anode.
.
(d) (i) Which ion is selectively discharge at the cathode?
(ii) Give a reason for your answer in (d) (i) .

(iii) Which do you observe at the cathode?

(iv) Write a half equation to represent the discharge of ions at the cathode.
. .
(e) What do you observe about the copper(II) sulphate solution?
..

Activity 8
(a) The table below shows two electrolytic cells with electrolytes of different
concentration. You are required to answer each section by writing your answer in
the spaces provided.
1. In the diagrams, label the cathode
with the symbol and the
anode with the symbol +.
2. Show the direction of the flow of the
electrons with arrowheads, >

3. Write the formula of all ions in the

electrolyte.
4. a. Write the formula of ions which are
attracted to the cathode.
b. Underline the formula of ion which
is selectively discharged.
c. State the factor that affect the
selective discharged of ion
5. Write the half equation to represent
the reaction at the cathode.
6. What will you observe at the
cathode?
7. a. Write the formula of ions which are
attracted to the anode.
b. Underline the formula of ion which
is selectively discharged.
c. State the factor that affect the
selective discharged of ion
8. Write the half equation to represent
the reaction at the anode.
9. What will you observe at the anode?

(b) The table below shows two electrolytic cells with the same electrolytes with
different electrodes. You are required to answer each section by writing your
answer in the spaces provided.
1.

In the diagrams, label the cathode

with the symbol and the
anode with the symbol +.

2.

Show the direction of the flow of the

electrons with arrowheads, >

3.

Write the formula of all ions in the

electrolyte.

4.

a. Write the formula of ions which

are attracted to the cathode.
b. Underline the formula of ion
which is selectively discharged.
c. State the factor that affect the
selective discharged of ion

5.

Write the half equation to represent

the reaction at the cathode.

6.

What will you observe at the

cathode?

7.

a. Write the formula of ions which

are attracted to the anode.
b. Underline the formula of ion
which is selectively discharged.
c. State the factor that affect the
selective discharged of ion

8.

Write the half equation to represent

the reaction at the anode.

9.

What will you observe at the

anode?

10 What do you observe about the

copper(II) sulphate solution?
Explain
D

ELECTROLYSIS IN INDUSTRIES

10

Learning Outcomes:
You should be able to:
state uses of electrolysis in industries,
explain the extraction, purification and electroplating of metals involving electrolysis in industries,
write chemical equations to represent the electrolysis process in industries,
justify uses of electrolysis in industries,
describe the problem of pollution from electrolysis in industry .

Activity 9
1.

Fill in the blanks.

The application of electrolysis in industries are (a) .

(b) and (c)

In the extraction of aluminium from its ore, (d) . electrodes are used
and (e) ... is added to aluminium oxide to lower its melting point.

In purification of metals, the pure metal is made the (f) .. and the
impure metal is made the (g) .. The electrolyte used is an aqueous
salt solution of the metal ions.

In electroplating of metals, the (h) ...is made the anode and the (i)
to be (j) ...... is made the cathode. The electrolyte
used is an aqueous salt solution of the electroplating metal.

The purposes of electroplating metals are to make the electroplated object more (k)
.. and (l) .. to corrosion.

2. Below are shown the three uses of electrolysis in industries. Fill in the blanks.
Extraction of aluminium
from bauxites
1. Substance
used as cathode
and anode

Electroplating of iron
spoon with silver

Cathode:

Purification of copper
from impure mined
copper
Cathode:

Anode:

Anode:

Anode

Cathode:

Cathode:

Cathode:

Anode:

Anode:

Anode:

Cathode:

2. Electrolyte
used
3. Half
equation
representing
the process.

VOLTAIC CELLS

11

Learning outcomes:
You should be able to:
describe the structure of a simple voltaic cell and Daniell cell,
explain the production of electricity from a simple voltaic cell,
explain the reactions in a simple voltaic cell and Daniell cell,
compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of various voltaic cells,
describe the differences between electrolytic and voltaic cells.

Activity 10

1. A simple voltaic cell can be constructed by immersing two .

metals in an . connected by
2. In a voltaic cell, energy is converted to . energy.
3. THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SERIES is an arrangement of metals based on the tendency
of each metal atom to donate electrons. Complete the table below.
Cation formed and number of
electron(s) released during the process

Electrochemical series of metals

K

K+ + e

Al

Al3+ + 3e

Tendency of
metal
atoms to
donate
electrons to
form ions
increases
* Note: Hydrogen is not a metal,
but it is included in the Electrochemical Series.

4. The diagram below shows an example of a simple voltaic cell.

12

In the text box below are sentences explaining the production of electricity from a simple
voltaic cell. The sentences are listed in random order. You are required to arrange these
sentences in the best possible order so as to give a clear description of the reactions
occurring in a simple voltaic cell.
An example of a simple voltaic cell is a magnesium strip and a copper strip immersed in
dilute sodium chloride solution.
The electrons then flows from the magnesium ribbon to the copper plate through the wire
and this results in the flow of electrical current.
Hence magnesium atom releases electrons more easily than a copper atom and the
magnesium act as the negative terminal of the cell.
The overall equation for the reaction is given as follows.
Mg(s) + 2H+(aq) Mg2+(aq) + H2(g)
Magnesium is placed higher than copper in the electrochemical series.
At the negative terminal, each magnesium atom releases two electrons and the Mg2+
formed moved into the solution.
Mg(s) Mg2+ (aq) + 2e
At the positive terminal which is the copper plate, the electrons are accepted by the H+
ions in sodium chloride solution.
2H+ + 2e H2 (g)
[If you have any problem, you can refer to page 104 of the text book for guidance.]
Answer:
(a)

(b)

(c) ..

(d)

13


(e)

(f)

(g) .
..
Activity 11
1. (a) Draw and label the set-up of apparatus of a Daniell cell consisting of a salt bridge.

(b) (i) Which metal in the Daniell cell is the negative terminal?

(ii) Give reason for your answer in (b)(i).

(iii) Write a half equation to represent the reaction occurring at the negative terminal.
.
(c) Write a half equation to represent reaction at positive terminal.

(d) What do you observe at

(i) negative terminal
..
(ii) positive terminal
..
(e) State two functions of the salt bridge.
1. ..
2.

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2. The table below listed are five types of

voltaic cells commonly used in our daily
lives. Each voltaic cell has its advantages
and disadvantages. Complete the table by
stating the advantages and disadvantages
of each voltaic cell.
Advantages
Voltaic cell

Disadvantages

1. Lead-acid
accumulator

2. Dry cell

3. Mercury cell

4. Alkaline cell

5. Nickel-cadmium cell

Activity 12
What are the differences between an electrolytic cell and a voltaic cell?
Table 12.1 are statements showing differences between an electrolytic cell and a voltaic cell.
Complete Table 12.2 by choosing the correct matching statements.
It does not require a source of electric
current
The electrical energy causes chemical
reactions to occur at the electrodes.
Electrical energy chemical energy
The electrodes must be of two different
metals
Electrons flow from the positive electrode
(anode) to the negative electrode (cathode).
Ions receive electrons at the positive
terminal.
(Reduction)
Ions receive electrons at the negative
terminal.
(Reduction)

It requires a source of electric current

The chemical reaction that occur at the
electrodes produces electric current.
Chemical energy electrical energy
The electrodes may be of the same material
such as carbon
Electrons flow from the more electropositive
metal (negative terminal) to the less
electropositive metal (positive terminal).
Ions donate electrons at the positive terminal.
(Oxidation)

Ions donate electrons at the negative

terminal.
(Oxidation)
Table 12.1

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Electrolytic cell

DIFFERENCES
Aspect

Source of
electric current
Conversion of
energy
Type of
electrodes
Direction of flow
of electrons
Type of reaction
at positive
terminal
Type of reaction
at negative
terminal
Table 12.2

16

Chemical cell

THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SERIES

Learning Outcomes:
You should be able to:
describe the principles used in constructing the electrochemical series,
construct the electrochemical series,
explain the importance of electrochemical series,
predict the ability of a metal to displace another metal from its salt solution,
write the chemical equations for metal displacement reactions.

Activity 13
Three experiments were conducted to investigate the potential differences between three pairs of
metals in a voltaic cell. An electrochemical series for four metals P, Q, S and T is then constructed
based on the potential difference obtained. Three pair of metals used as electrodes in different voltaic
cells are: P and Q, Q and S and S and T.
All the metals are cleaned with sandpaper before used.
50 cm3 of 1.0 mol dm-3 sodium nitrate solution is poured into a beaker as electrolyte.
Experiment I
The electrodes P and Q are immersed into the solution. The two electrodes are connected to a
voltmeter using copper wires. Electrode Q is the positive terminal. The voltmeter reading is
recorded.
Experiment II
The electrodes Q and S are immersed into the solution. The two electrodes are connected to a
voltmeter using copper wire. Electrode Q is the positive terminal. The voltmeter reading is
recorded.
Experiment III
The electrodes S and T are immersed into the solution. The two electrodes are connected to a
voltmeter using copper wire. Electrode T is the positive terminal. The voltmeter reading is
recorded.
Based on Experiment I, II and III, answer the questions below.
(a) Record the voltmeter reading of each experiment in the spaces provided.
Experiment 1
Experiment II
Experiment III

1 2

1 2
6

1 2
6

Voltmeter reading: .

Voltmeter reading:

Voltmeter reading: ...

(b) Construct a table to record the data from the above experiments.

17

(c) List the apparatus and materials that you will need to carry out this experiment.
Apparatus: .
..
Materials: ..

(d) State all the variables:

1.
Manipulated variable: ..
2.

Responding variable: .

3.

Controlled variable:

(e) State the hypothesis: .

..
(f) Based on the information obtained in Experiment I, what can you infer about metal P and Q?

(g) Write a half equation for the reaction occurring in negative of Experiment I, assuming the cation
has a +2 charge.
.
(h) Arrange the metals P, Q, S and T in descending order of their tendency to donate electrons.
...
(i) Another voltaic cell is set-up using metals T and Q as electrodes. Predict the potential difference
produced in the cell.
..
(j) Given that metal X is placed between metal S and metal Q in the electrochemical series, can
metal X displace metal S from its salt solution? Give an explanation for your answer
.
.
(k) Given that copper is more electropositive than metal T, a displacement reaction will occur when
copper is immersed into a salt solution of metal T, TNO3.
Write the chemical equation for this reaction.
.
(l) State three important uses of the electrochemical series
..
.
...
Activity 14 : Displacement Reactions
1. Metals placed up in the Electrochemical series ar able to displace metals placed .
them from their salt solutions.
K > Na > Ca > Mg > Al > Zn > Fe Sn > Pb > H > Cu > Ag

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2. Example : Ewacrion between xinc and copper(II) sulphate solution

Chemical equation : Zn + CuSO4

+ .

.. is place higher position than in electrochemical series, , .. is more

electropositive than .., hence .. can displace from
. solutions.

Copper(II)
sulphate
solution

Observation:
1. Zinc .
2. . Solid formed
zinc

3.

Intensity of blue solution .

Zinc atom releases 2 electrons to form zinc ion, Zn2+ : Half equation : .
Copper(II) ion Cu2+ receives 2 electrons to form copper atom : Half equation :..
Ionic equation : .
3. Experiment : To construct the electrochemical series using the principle of displacement of
metals (Displacement Reaction)
Problem Statement :

Hypothesis:

The greater the number of metals that can be displaced by a metal from
their solutions, the higher is its position in the electrochemical series.

Variables:
Manipulated variable :
Responding variable :
Fixed variables

List of Materials and Apparatus:

Test tubes, sand paper, 1 mol dm-3 zinc nitrate solution, 1 mol dm-3 lead (II) nitrate
solution, 1 mol dm-3 copper (II) nitrate solution, magnesium strips, zinc strips, lead
strips and copper strips.
magnesium
nitrate
solution

zinc
nitrate
solution

Lead(II)
nitrate
solution

copper(II)
nitrate
solution

magnesium strips

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Procedure:
1. Pour 5 cm3 of magnesium nitrate solution, zinc nitrate solution, lead (II) nitrate solution, and
copper (II) nitrate solution into four separate test tubes.
2. For each test tube, place a strip of magnesium into each solution.
3. Record all the observations.
4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 using strips of zinc, lead and copper to replace the magnesium strip. For
each repetition, use a fresh salt solution.
Data and Observation

Complete this table

please!

Salt solution
Magnesium
nitrate solution

Metal
strip

Zinc nitrate
solution

Lead (II) nitrate

solution

Copper (II)
nitrate solution

Magnesium
Zinc
Lead
Copper
a.

Which metal can displace the most number of other metals from their solutions?
.

b.

Write the half equation of the reaction occurred in magnesium strip for this experiment.

c.

Which metal can be displaced by all other metals in the experiment?

..

d.

Arrange the metals in descending order based on the electrochemical series and
the number of metals displaced by it.

e.

Write the ionic equations to show all displacement reactions by zinc

..
..

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