Electrochemical Cells - Mark schemes

Q1.
(a)     The ions in the ionic substance in the salt bridge move through the salt bridge
1

To maintain charge balance / complete the circuit

1

(b)     F–
1

(c)     EƟ SO42– / SO2 < EƟ Br2 / Br–

Allow correct answer expressed in words, eg electrode
potential for sulfate ions / sulfur dioxide is less than that for
bromine / bromide
1

(d)     1.23 (V)

1

(e)     A fuel cell converts more of the available energy from combustion of hydrogen
into kinetic energy of the car / an internal combustion engine wastes more
(heat) energy
1
[6]

Q2.
(a)     Electron acceptor / gains electrons / takes electrons away
Do not allow electron pair acceptor / gain of electrons /
definition of redox (QWC)
1

(b)     Cd(OH)2
Do not allow ‘Cd(OH)2/Cd’
1

Species (on LHS) with the least positive/most negative electrode potential / lowest E
/ smallest E
Only allow this mark if M1 answer given correctly or blank
Do not allow negative emf
1

(c)     (i)      1.5 (V) / 1.50

1

(ii)     2MnO2 + 2H2O + Zn →2MnO(OH) + 2OH– + Zn2+

Ignore state symbols
e– must be cancelled
(take care that Zn2+ is on RHS)
1

(iii)    Allows ions to pass (through it) or words to that effect

Penalise passage of electrons
Allow mention of particular ions
1
 (iv)     Allows electrons to flow / makes electrical contact / conductor
Allow acts as an (inert) electrode / anode / cathode
1

(v)      Zn is ‘used up’ / has reacted / oxidised

Allow idea that zinc reacts
Do not allow just zinc corrodes
1

(d)     (i)      3 / +3 / III
1

2Ni(OH)2 + Cd(OH)2 → 2NiO(OH) + Cd + 2H2O

For correct nickel and cadmium species in correct order
(allow H2O missing and OH– not cancelled)
1
For balanced equation (also scores M2)
Allow max 1 for M2 and M3 if correct balanced equation but
reversed.
Ignore state symbols
1

(ii)     Metal / metal compounds are re-used / supplies are not depleted / It (the cell)
can be re-used
Allow does not leak / no landfill problems / less mining / less
energy to extract metals / less waste
Do not allow less CO2 unless explained
1

(e)     (i)      C2H5OH + 3O2 → 2CO2 + 3H2O

Allow C2H6O
1

(ii)     C2H5OH + 3H2O → 2CO2 + 12H+ + 12e–

Allow C2H6O
1

(iii)    (+)0.23 (V)
1

(iv)     CO2 released by combustion / fermentation / fuel cell / reaction with water

Can be answered with the aid of equations
1

(atmospheric) CO2 taken up in photosynthesis

1
[17]

Q3.
(a)    It has mobile ions / ions can move through it / free ions
Do not allow movement of electrons.
Allow specific ions provided they are moving but do not
react.
1

(b)     Chloride ions react with copper ions / Cu2+ OR [CuCl4]2− formed
If incorrect chemistry, mark = 0
 1

(c)     The Cu2+ ions / CuSO4 in the left-hand electrode more concentrated
Allow converse.
1

So the reaction of Cu2+ with 2e− will occur (in preference at) left-hand electrode
/ Cu → Cu2+ + electrons at right-hand electrode
Allow left-hand electrode positive / right-hand electrode
negative.
Also reduction at left-hand electrode / oxidation at right-hand
electrode.
Also left-hand electrode has oxidising agent / right-hand
electrode has reducing agent.
Allow E left-hand side > E right-hand side
1

(d)     (Eventually) the copper ions / CuSO4 in each electrode will be at the same
concentration
1

(e)     (i)      −3.05 (V)

Must have minus sign.
−3.05 only.
1

(ii)     LiMnO2 → Li + MnO2 correct equation

Allow 1 for reverse equation.
Allow multiples.
1

Correct direction
If Li+ not cancelled but otherwise correct, max = 1
If electrons not cancelled, CE = 0
LiMnO2 → Li + MnO2 scores 2
Li+ + LiMnO2 → Li++ Li + MnO2 scores 1
Li + MnO2 → LiMnO2 scores 1
1

(iii)    Electricity for recharging the cell may come from power stations burning
(fossil) fuel
Allow any reference to burning (of carbon-containing) fuels.
Note combustion = burning.
1
[9]

Q4.
(a)     loses electrons / donates electrons
penalise donates electron pair
1

(b)     Zn
1

(most) negative Eo / lowest Eo / least positive

can only score M2 if M1 correct
 do not allow e.m.f instead of Eo
1

(c)     Eo F2 (/F–) > Eo O2 (/H2O)

or e.m.f is positive or e.m.f = 1.64 V
1

Fluorine reacts to form oxygen (can score from equation in

M3 even if equation unbalanced provided no contradiction)
or fluorine oxidises water
or fluorine is a more powerful oxidising agent than oxygen
1

2F2 + 2H2O → 4F– + 4H+ + O2

allow 4HF in equation
balanced equation scores M2 and M3
1

(d)     (i)      order correct Zn Zn2+ Ag2O Ag or reverse of this order

ignore ss , H+ and H2O, no. of moles
1

all phase boundaries correct

allow Zn|Zn2+||Ag2O,Ag
or Zn|Zn2+||Ag2O|H+|Ag for M1 & M2

e.g. Zn|Zn2+||Ag2O|Ag or Ag|Ag2O||Zn2+|Zn scores 2

M2 cannot be gained unless M1 scored
allow H+ either side of Ag2O with comma or |
for M2 penalise
•    wrong phase boundary (allow dashed lines for
     salt bridge)
•    Pt
•    use of + (from half equation)
•    water/H+ outside Ag in Ag electrode
1

(ii)     1.1 (V)

Allow no units, penalise wrong units
allow correct answer even if no answer to (d)(i) or answer to
(d)(i) incorrect
allow –1.1 if silver electrode on Left in (d)(i) even if the
species are in the wrong order.
1

(iii)     Reaction(s) not reversible or H2O electrolyses

do not allow hard to reverse
mention of primary cell is not enough to show that
reaction(s) are irreversible
1

(e)     (i)      –0.46 (V)

Allow no units, penalise wrong units
1

(ii)     2PbSO4 + 2H2O → Pb +PbO2 + 2HSO4– + 2H+

 lead species correct on correct sides of equation
1

equation balanced and includes H2O,

HSO4– and H+ (or H2SO4)

allow ions / species must be fully cancelled out or combined
allow 1/2 for balanced reverse equation
1

(f)      (i)      reagents / PbO2 / H2SO4 /acid / ions used up

(or concentration decreases)
1

(ii)     fuel cell

Ignore any other words
1

(iii)     reagents / fuel supplied continuously

1

concentrations (of reagents) remain constant

1
[17]

Q5.
(a)     Solar cells do not supply electrical energy all the time
1

Rechargeable cells can store electrical energy for use when the solar cells are
not working
1

(b)     Prevent pollution of the environment by toxic or dangerous substances /

recycling of valuable components
Do not allow ‘will not use up landfill sites’.
1
[3]

Q6.
(a)    Diagram of an Fe3+ / Fe2+ electrode that includes the following parts labelled:
Solution containing Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions
1

Platinum electrode connected to one terminal of a voltmeter

Must be in the solution of iron ions (one type will suffice)
1

Salt bridge
Do not allow incorrect material for salt bridge and salt bridge
must be in the solution (ie it must be shown crossing a
meniscus)
1

298 K and 100 kPa / 1 bar

1

all solutions unit / 1 mol dm−3 concentration

 Allow zero current / high resistance voltmeter as alternative
to M4 or M5
Ignore hydrogen electrode even if incorrect
1

(b)     Cu2+ + Fe → Cu + Fe2+

Ignore state symbols
1

Fe|Fe2+||Cu2+|Cu   correct order

Allow Cu|Cu2+||Fe2+|Fe
1

Phase boundaries and salt bridge correct, no Pt

Allow single / double dashed line for salt bridge
Penalise phase boundary at either electrode end
Can only score M3 if M2 correct
1

Copper electrode
Allow any reference to copper
1

(c)     Eϴ Au+( / Au) > Eϴ O2 ( / H2O)

Allow E cell / e.m.f. = 0.45 V
Allow 1.68 > 1.23
1

So Au+ ions will oxidise water / water reduces Au+

QoL
1

2Au+ + H2O → 2Au + O2 + 2H+

Allow multiples
1

(d)     Eϴ Ag+( / Ag) > Eϴ Fe2+( / Fe)

Allow E cell / e.m.f. = 1.24
Allow 0.80 > −0.44
1

And Eϴ Ag+( / Ag) > Eϴ Fe3+( / Fe2+)

Allow E cell / e.m.f. = 0.03
Allow 0.80 > 0.77
1

So silver ions will oxidise iron (to iron(II) ions) and then oxidise Fe(II) ions
(further to Fe(III) ions producing silver metal)
Allow Ag+ ions will oxidise iron to iron(III)
1
[15]

Q7.
(a)     (i)      M1 Positive electrode O2 + 2H2O +4e(-) → 4OH-
 M2 Negative electrode H2 + 2OH- → 2H2O + 2e(-)
Allow multiples, ignore state symbols
If equations both correct but at the wrong electrodes allow 1
mark
1
1

2H2 + O2 → 2H2O
Mark independently
Must be this way round
1

(ii)     Increase (emf )

If decrease/no change then CE=0/2; if blank then mark on
1

2H2 + O2 → 2H2O will move to the right

Or overall equation moves to the right

Allow O2 + 2H2O +4e- → 4OH- will move to the right /
oxygen half equation moves to the RHS / EΘ O2|OH- half cell
moves to the right
1

(b)      
Must start at y-axis
1

(c)     (i)      Unchanged

1

(ii)     Water is the only product / fuel cell does not give out pollutants such as NOx or
CO2 or SO2 or C or CO or CxHy or unburnt hydrocarbons
Not fuel cell does not give out pollutants unless pollutant
stated
1

(d)     CO2 is released because fossil fuels are burned to produce

electricity to generate hydrogen
OR

CO2 is released when methane reacts with steam to produce hydrogen

Allow CO2 is released to produce the hydrogen
1
[9]

Q8.
(a)     (Standard) hydrogen (electrode) (1)
1
 (b)     (i)      To allow transfer of electrons / provide a reaction surface (1)

(ii)     298 K (1)

Both F3+ (aq) and Fe2+ (aq) have a concentration of 1
mol dm–3 (1) (QoL)
OR [H+] = 1 mol dm–3
NOT zero current or 100 kPa
3

(c)     +1.34 V (1)

2 MnO4– + 5 H2SO3 → 2 Mn2+ + 5 SO42– + 3 H2O +4 H+
Correct species / order (1)
Balanced and cancelled (1)
Allow one for 2 MnO4– + 5 H2SO3 → 2 Mn2+ + 5 SO42–
3

(d)     (i)      Ce4+ (aq) (1)

(ii)     VO2+ (aq) (1); Cl2 (1)

Penalise additional answers to zero
3

(e)     Pt | Fe2+ (aq), Fe3+ (aq) || Ce4+(aq), Ce3+ (aq) | Pt

Correct species (1)
Correct order (1)
Deduct one mark for each error
2
[12]

Q9.
(a)     By definition
allow ‘set to this value’
1

(b)     1.23 V
Allow + or –
1

(c)     Pt|H2(g)|OH–(aq),H2O(l)||O2(g)|H2O(l),OH–(aq)|Pt
H2O not essential, allow reverse order

Correct but with Pt missing

1

Includes Pt with correct representation

1

(d)     Uses O2 + 2H2O + 4e– → 4OH–

And (2×) 2OH– + H2 → 2H2O + 2e–

1

2H2 + O2 → 2H2O
1

(e)     Increases the surface area (so reaction faster)

1

(f)      Overall reaction is the same (2H2 + O2 → 2H2O)

 Or shows e.m.f. is the same
1

(g)     Hydrogen and oxygen supplied continuously

OR

Can be operated without stopping to recharge

Or can be refuelled quickly
Allow any one mark
1

(h)     Hydrogen may need to be made using an energy source that is

not ‘carbon neutral’
1
[10]

Q10.
(a)     Hydrogen/H2 gas/bubbles
1

1.0 mol dm–3 HCl/H+

1

At 298K and 100kPa

Allow 1 bar instead of 100 kPa
Do not allow 1 atm
1

Pt (electrode)
1

(b)     Li+ + MnO2 + e– → LiMnO2

Ignore state symbols
1

–0.13(V)
1

(c)     Fe3+ ions reduced to Fe2+

Can score from equation/scheme
1

Because E(Fe3+(/Fe2+)) > E(H+/H2)/E(hydrogen)

Allow emf/Ecell +ve/0.77V
Allow Fe3+ better oxidising agent than H+
Allow H2 better reducing agent than Fe2+
Only award this explanation mark if previous mark given
1

(d)     Moles Cr2O72– =23.7 × 0.01/1000 = 2.37 × 10–4

1

1 mol Cr2O72– reacts with 6 mol Fe2+ so moles

Fe2+ in 25 cm3 = 6 × 2.37 × 10–4 = 1.422 × 10–3
1
M1 × 6

Moles Fe2+ in 250 cm3 = 1.422 × 10–2

 M2 × 10 or M4/10
1

Original moles Fe2+ = 10.00/277.9 = 0.0360

Independent mark
1

Moles Fe2+ oxidised = 0.0360 – 0.0142 = 0.0218

M4 – M3
1

% oxidised = (0.0218 × 100)/0.0360 = 60.5%

(M5 × 100)/M4
Allow 60 to 61
Note Max 3 if mol ratio for M2 wrong
eg 1:5 gives 67.1%
1:1 gives 93.4%
Note also, 39.5% (39-40) scores M1, M2, M3 and M4 (4
marks)
1
[14]

Q11.
(a)     1.4 V
Allow + or –
1

(b)     2NiO(OH) + 2H2O + Cd → 2Ni(OH)2 + Cd(OH)2

Mark for species, Deduct a mark for additional species
(eg OH–) but allow balance mark
1

Balanced
If equation is reversed CE=0
1

(c)     NiO(OH) or Ni(III) or nickel

1

+3
Allow conseq on wrong species
1
[5]

Q12.
(a)     To remove the oxide layer on the aluminium
Do not allow ‘cleaning’ or ‘removal of grease’.
Do not allow ‘removal of impurities’ without qualification.
1

(b)     An appropriate method for delivering H2 gas over a Pt electrode

Need H2 gas and Pt electrode labelled (allow gas delivered
directly below the electrode).
1

The Pt electrode must clearly be in contact with a solution of a named acid.

 Ignore any concentration or pressure values.
Ignore absence of bubbles.
Allow if electrode is below outer acid level.
1

(c)     The carbonate ion reacts with the acid (in the SHE) / reaction between
carbonate and Al3+
Lose this mark if aluminium carbonate formed but mark on.
1

Reaction given (either equation or products specified)

OR H+ / Al3+ concentrations change / cell e.m.f. altered

1
[5]

Q13.
(a)    Pt|H2|H+||Fe2+|Fe
Allow 1 for correct order of symbols but lose second mark for
a wrong phase boundary(s) / Pt missing / extra Pt on RHS,
additional phase boundary

Note, allow one mark only for correct symbol in reverse:

Fe|Fe2+||H+|H2|Pt
Allow dashed lines for salt bridge
Ignore state symbols
Ignore 2 if used before H+
2

(b)    Electron donor
Allow (species that) loses electrons
Do not allow reference to electron pairs
1

(c)    Cl2 / chlorine
If M1 blank or incorrect cannot score M2
1

(Species on RHS / electron donor) has most positive / largest EΘ /

has highest potential
Do not allow reference to e.m.f. or E(cell)
1

(d)    (i)      Cl / chlorine
1

(ii)     Chlorine +1 to chlorine 0
CE if chlorine not identified in part (i)
Allow chlorine +1 to chlorine –1 (in Cl–)
Allow oxidation state decreases by one OR two
Allow oxidation state changes by –1 OR –2
1

(e)    4HOCl + 4H+ + 4OH-→ 2Cl2 + O2 + 6H2O

OR
 4HOCl → 2Cl2 + O2 + 2H2O
Allow one mark for any incorrect equation that shows
HOCl → Cl2 + O2
Allow multiples
Ignore state symbols
Penalise one mark for uncancelled or uncombined species
(eg H2O + H2O instead of 2H2O)
2

(f)    (i)      e.m.f. = 0.40 – (–1.25) = 1.65 (V) / +1.65 (V)

Allow –1.65 (V)
1

(ii)     2Zn + O2 → 2ZnO
Allow multiples
Ignore state symbols
Do not allow uncancelled species
If more than one equation given, choose the best
1

(iii)    A / stainless lid

If M1 incorrect or blank CE=0
1

O2 (electrode) has a more positive EΘ / oxygen (electrode) requires /

gains electrons from external circuit
Or reference to the overall equation and a link to electrons
going into A
Allow oxygen is reduced and reduction occurs at the positive
electrode

OR Zinc (electrode) has more negative EΘ

Do not allow reference to e.m.f. or E(cell)
1

(iv)    (Cell) reaction(s) cannot be reversed / zinc oxide cannot be reduced to

zinc by passing a current through it / zinc cannot be regenerated
Allow danger from production of gas / oxygen produced /
hydrogen produced
1
[14]

Q14.
(a)     (i)      Co/Cobalt
If Co or Cobalt not given CE = 0
ignore case in symbol for Co
1

(+) 4
1

(+) 3
Allow 4 and 3 in either order
1

(ii)     Li → Li+ + e–
 Ignore state symbols
Allow e without -ve sign
Do not allow equilibrium sign
1

(iii)     Platinum is a conductor

1

(Platinum is) unreactive/inert

Ignore mention of surface area or catalyst
Allow 2 marks if two properties given on one answer line
Apply list principle to contradictions/wrong answers
Do not allow platinum resists corrosion
1

(iv)    Li reacts with water/forms lithium hydroxide

Allow water breaks down (or is electrolysed) on re-charge
1

(b)     (i)      Pt│SO32– (aq), SO42– (aq)││ClO3– (aq), Cl–(aq)│Pt

State symbols an ‘,’ not necessary
Allow | in place of ‘,’ NOT ‘,’ in place of |
Ignore H+ and H2O
Deduct one mark for each mistake (e.g. Pt missed twice
counts as two mistakes)
Allow reverse order for whole cell
Pt | Cl–, ClO3– || SO42–, SO32– | Pt
2

(ii)     ClO3– + 3SO32– → Cl– + 3SO42–

1

Oxidising agent ClO3–

1

Reducing agent SO32–

1
[12]

Q15.
(a)    (i)      H2 + 2OH- → 2H2O + 2e- / H2 → 2H+ + 2e-
Any order
1

O2 + 4e- + 2H2O → 4OH- / O2 + 4H+ + 4e- → 2H2O

1

(ii)     Hydrogen (electrode) produces electrons

Ignore reference to salt bridge
Do not allow at negative / positive electrode – must identify
hydrogen and oxygen
1

Oxygen (electrode) accepts electrons

Allow electrons flow to the oxygen electrode
1
(b)    Hydrogen / the fuel / reactants supplied continuously / fed in
Do not accept oxygen supplied as the only statement
1

(c)    In the fuel cell, a greater proportion of the energy available from the hydrogen–
oxygen reaction is converted into useful energy
Allow less energy wasted / more efficient
Do not allow reference to safety
1

(d)    Hydrogen is flammable / H+ corrosive / OH– corrosive / hydrogen explosive

1
[7]