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Previous HSE Questions and Answers of the chapter “ELECTROCHEMISTRY”

1. The graphs showing the variation of molar conductance with concentration for weak and strong acids
are given.

a) Explain the Debye-Huckel-Onsagar equation? (1)

b) What is molar conductance? (1)
c) Calculate the molar conductance at infinite dilution of NH4OH.
Given that Λ 0m for NaCl, NaOH and NH4Cl are 126.4, 248.1 and 129.8 ohm-1cm2mol-1. (2) [March 2008]
Ans: a) : Λm = Λ 0m - A√c
b) Molar conductivity is the conductivity of 1 mole of an electrolytic solution kept between two
electrodes of a conductivity cell with unit area of cross section and at a distance of unit length.
c) Given Λ 0m (NaCl) = 126.4 Scm2mol-1, Λ 0m (NaOH) = 248.1 Scm2mol-1 and Λ 0m (NH4Cl) = 129.8
Scm2mol-1
Applying Kohlrausch’s law, Λ 0m(NH4OH) =Λ 0m (NaOH) + Λ 0m (NH4Cl) – Λ 0m (NaCl)
= 248.1 + 129.8 – 126.4 = 251.5 Scm2mol-1
2. Certain Galvanic cells are designed to convert the energy of combustion of fuels directly into electrical
energy.
a) Name the above type of Galvanic cells. (½)
b) Give an example for the above cell. (½)
c) Represent the reactions taking place at anode and cathode of the above cell. (2)
d) Mention any two advantages of the above cell. (1) [March 2009]
Ans: a) Fuel cells
b) H2 - O2 fuel cell
c) Anode reaction: 2H2 + 4OH – → 4H2O + 4e–
Cathode reaction: O2 + 2H2O + 4e–→ 4OH –
Overall reaction: 2H2(g) + O2(g)⎯ → 2 H2O(l)
d) The advantages of fuel cell are:
i) The cell works continuously as long as the reactants are supplied.
ii) It has higher efficiency as compared to other conventional cells.
iii) It is eco-friendly (i.e. pollution free) since water is the only product formed.
iv) Water obtained from H2 – O2 fuel cell can be used for drinking. [Any 2 required]
3. Lead storage cell is the commonly used secondary cell in automobiles.
a) What is a secondary cell? (1)
b) What are the anode and cathode of the cell? (1)

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c) Write down the reactions at anode and cathode during discharging of the cell? (2) [March 2010]
Ans: a) These are cells that can be recharged and reused. Here the cell reaction can be reversed.
b) Anode: Lead, Cathode: A grid of lead packed with PbO2.
c) Anode reaction: Pb + SO42- → PbSO4 + 2e–
Cathode reaction: PbO2 + SO42-+ 4H+ + 2e– → PbSO4 + 2H2O.
4. From the position of elements in the electrochemical series, Cu can displace Ag from AgNO 3 solution.
a) Represent the cell constructed with Cu and Ag electrodes. (1)
b) Write down the cell reaction taking place at the anode and the cathode. (2)
c) Write the Nernst equation for the above cell reaction. (1) [March 2010]
2+
Ans: a) Cu/Cu //Ag /Ag +

b) Anode reaction: Cu(s) → Cu2+(aq) + 2e-

Cathode reaction: Ag+(aq) + e- → Ag(s)
c) The net reaction for the above cell is: Cu(s) + 2Ag+(aq) → Cu2+(aq) + 2Ag(s)
Ecell = E0cell – 0.0591 log [Cu2+]
2 [Ag+]2
5. The standard electrode potentials of some electrodes are given below:
E0(Zn2+/Zn) = -0.76 V, E0(Cu2+/Cu) = 0.34 V, E0(Ag+/Ag) = 0.8 V, E0(H+/H2) = 0 V.
a) Can CuSO4 solution be kept in silver vessel? (½)
b) Zn or Cu, which can displace hydrogen from dil. H2SO4? (½)
+
c) What is the reaction taking place at SHE when it is connected with Ag /Ag electrode to form a
galvanic cell? (1)
d) Find the value of Kc (equilibrium constant) in the Daniel cell at 298K. (2) [SAY 2011]
Ans: a) Yes
b) Zn (Since Zn lies above H in activity series, while Cu lies below H)
c) H2 (g) → 2H+(aq) + 2e – [Oxidation occurs at SHE since it has lower E0el. value than Ag]
d) At 298K, E0cell = 0.0591 log Kc
n
For Daniel cell, n = 2 and E0cell = 1.1 V
So, log Kc = E0cell x n/0.0591 = 1.1 x 2/0.0591 = 37.22
Kc = Anti-log (37.22) = 1.65 x 10 37

6. The limiting molar conductivity of an electrolyte is obtained by adding the limiting molar conductivities
of cation and anion of the electrolyte.
a) Name the above law. (½)
b) What is meant by limiting molar conductivity? (½)
c) Explain how conductivity measurements help to determine the ionisation constant of a weak
electrolyte like acetic acid. (1)
d) Explain the change of conductivity and molar conductivity of a solution with dilution? (2) [March11]
Ans: a) Kohlrausch’s law
b) Molar conductivity at zero concentration or infinite dilution is called limiting molar conductivity.
c) By knowing the molar conductivity at a particular concentration (λcm) and limiting molar conductivity
(λ0m), we can calculate the dissociation constant of a weak acid by the equation;

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Ka = c (Λ Cm/ Λ 0m)2
1 – (Λ Cm/ Λ 0m)
d) For both strong and weak electrolytes, conductivity always decreases with dilution. This is because as
dilution increases, the number of ions per unit volume decreases and hence the conductivity decreases.
The molar conductivity increase with dilution for both strong and weak electrolytes. This is due to the
increase in ionic mobility for strong electrolytes and increase in degree of dissociation for weak
electrolytes.
7. Leclanche cell, Lead storage cell and Fuel cell are galvanic cells having different uses.
a) Among these, Leclanche cell is a primary cell and lead storage cell is a secondary cell. Write any 2
differences between primary cell and secondary cell. (2)
b) What is a fuel cell? (1)
c) Write the overall cell reaction in H2 – O2 fuel cell? (1) [March 2012]
Ans: a) Primary cell cannot be recharged or reused, while secondary cell can. In primary cell, the cell
reaction cannot be reversed but in secondary cell, the cell reaction can be reversed.
b) Fuel cells are galvanic cells which convert the energy of combustion of fuels like hydrogen, methane,
methanol etc. directly into electrical energy.
c) 2H2(g) + O2(g) ⎯→ 2 H2O(l )
8. Daniel cell is a galvanic cell made of Zn and Cu electrodes.
i) Write anode and cathode reactions in Daniel cell? (1)
ii) Nernst equation for the electrode reaction M + ne → M is:n+ -

EMn+/M = E0Mn+/M – (2.303RT/nF) log1/[Mn+]. Derive Nernst equation for Daniel cell. (3) [March 2012]
Ans: i) Anode reaction: 2+
Zn(s) → Zn + 2 e -

Cathode reaction: Cu2+ + 2 e- → Cu(s)

ii) For Daniel cell, the electrode potentials are given as:
E(Cu2+/Cu) = E0(Cu2+/Cu) + RT ln [Cu2+] (For cathode)
2F
E(Zn2+/Zn) = E0(Zn2+/Zn) + RT ln [Zn2+] (For anode)
2F
The cell potential, Ecell = E(Cu /Cu) - E(Zn2+/Zn)
2+

= {E0(Cu2+/Cu) + RT ln [Cu2+]} – {E0(Zn2+/Zn) + RT ln [Zn2+]}

2F 2F
0 2+ 0 2+
= [E (Cu /Cu) – E (Zn /Zn) ] + RT ln [Cu ]2+

2F [Zn2+]
Or, Ecell = E0cell + RT ln [Cu2+]
2F [Zn2+]
On changing the base of logarithm, we get
Ecell = E0cell + 2.303RT log [Cu2+]
2F [Zn2+]
On substituting the values of R (8.314 JK mol–1), F (96500 C mol–1) at 298K, the above equation
–1

becomes,
Ecell = E0cell + 0.0591 log [Cu2+]
2 [Zn2+]
9. With decrease in concentration of an electrolytic solution, conductivity (ƙ) decreases and molar
conductivity (Λm) increases.
i) Write the equation showing the relationship between conductivity and molar conductivity. (1)

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ii) How will you account for the increase in molar conductivity with decrease in concentration? (1½)
iii) Limiting molar conductivity (Λ0m) of a strong electrolyte can be determined by graphical
extrapolation method. Suggest a method for the determination of limiting molar conductivity of a weak
electrolyte, taking acetic acid (CH3COOH) as example. (1½) [March 2013]
Ans: (i) Molar conductivity, λm = 1000 ƙ/M [Where ƙ is the conductivity and M is the molarity]
(ii) For strong electrolytes, as dilution increases, the force of attraction between the ions decreases and
hence the ionic mobility increases. So, molar conductivity increases. For weak electrolytes, as dilution
increases, the degree of dissociation increases. So the number of ions increases and hence the molar
conductivity.
(iii) Limiting molar conductivity of a weak electrolyte can be determined by knowing the Λ0m values of
strong electrolytes using Kohlrausch’s law. For e.g. we can determine the Λ0m of acetic acid (CH3COOH)
by knowing the Λ0m of CH3COONa, NaCl and HCl as follows:
Λ0m (CH3COONa) = λ0CH3COO- + λ0Na+ …………. (1)
Λ0m (HCl) = λ0H+ + λ0 Cl- …………….. (2)
Λ0m (NaCl) = λ0Na+ + λ0Cl- ………….. (3)
(1) + (2) - (3) gives:
Λ0m (CH3COONa) + Λ0m (HCl) - Λ0m (NaCl) = λ0CH3COO- + λ0Na+ + λ0H+ + λ0Cl- - λ0Na+ - λ0Cl-
= λ0CH3COO- + λ0H+ = Λ0CH3COOH
10. We can construct innumerable number of Galvanic cells on the pattern of Daniel cell by taking
combination of different half cells.
a) What is a Galvanic cell? (1)
b) Name the anode and cathode used in the Daniel cell? (1)
c) +
Name the cell represented by Pt(s)/H2(g)/H (aq). (½)
d) According to the convention, what is the potential of the above cell at all temperatures? (1)
e) Write the use of the above cell? (½) [SAY 2013 & 2012]
Ans: a) It is a device that converts chemical energy of some redox reactions to electrical energy.
b) Anode: Zn rod dipped in ZnSO4 solution Or, Zn/ZnSO4
Cathode: Cu rod dipped in CuSO4 solution Or, Cu/CuSO4
c) SHE (Standard Hydrogen Electrode)
d) Zero
e) For determining the std. electrode potential of an electrode.
11. a) The cell reaction in Daniel cell is Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) → Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s) and Nernst equation for single
electrode potential for general electrode reaction Mn+(aq) + ne- → M(s) is
EMn+/M = E0Mn+/M - 2.303RT log [M]
nF [M n+]
Derive Nernst equation for Daniel cell. (3)
b) Daniel cell is a primary cell while lead storage cell is a secondary cell. Write any one difference
between primary and secondary cell. (1) [March 2014]
Ans: a) Refer the Answer of the Question no. 7 (ii)
b) Primary cell cannot be recharged or reused. But secondary cell can be recharged and reused.
12. Fuel cells are special types of Galvanic cells.
a) i) What are galvanic cells? (1)

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ii) Write any two advantages of fuel cells. (1)

b) Write the electrode reactions in H2 – O2 fuel cell. (2) [SAY 2014]
Ans: a) (i) These are devices that convert chemical energy of some redox reactions to electrical energy.
(ii) The advantages of fuel cells are:
• It has higher efficiency as compared to other conventional cells.
• It is eco-friendly since water is the only product formed.
b) Refer the Answer of the Question no. 1 (c)
13. You are supplied with the following substances: Copper rod, zinc rod, salt bridge, two glass beakers, a
piece of wire, 1 M CuSO4 solution, 1 M ZnSO4 solution.
a) Represent the cell made using the above materials. (1)
b) i) Write the Nernst equation for the above cell. (2)
ii) Calculate the standard emf of the cell if E (Zn /Zn) = 0.76 V and E (Cu /Cu) = + 0.34V (1)
0 2+ – 0 2+

[March 2015]
2+ 2+
Ans: a) Zn/Zn //Cu/Cu (Daniel cell)
b) i) Ecell = E0cell + 0.0591 log [Cu2+]
2 [Zn2+]
ii) E0cell = E0R –E0L = 0.34 – (-0.76) = 1.1 V
14. a) Conductance (G), conductivity (K) and molar conductivity (m) are terms used in electrolytic
conduction.
i) Write any two factors on which conductivity depends on. (1)
ii) How do conductivity and molar conductivity vary with concentration of electrolytic solution? (2)
b) Write any one difference between primary cell and secondary cell. (1) [SAY 2015]
Ans: a) (i) Conductivity depends on the nature of electrolyte and temperature.
(ii) Refer the Answer of the Question no. 5 (d)
b) Primary cell cannot be recharged or reused. But secondary cell can be recharged and reused.
15. a) Which of the following is a secondary cell?
(a) Dry cell (b) Leclanche cell (c) Mercury cell (d) None of these (1)
(b) What is the relationship between resistance and conductance? (1)
(c) One of the fuel cells uses the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to form water. Write down the cell
reaction taking place in the anode and cathode of that fuel cell. (2) [March 2016]
Ans: a) None of these
b) Resistance (R) = 1/Conductance (G)
c) Refer the Answer of the Question no. 1 (c)
16. Galvanic cells are classified into primary and secondary cells.
a) Write any two differences between primary and secondary cells. (2)
b) (i) What is a fuel cell? (1)
(ii) Write the overall cell reaction in H2 – O2 fuel cell? (1) [SAY 2016]
Ans: a) Refer the Answer of the Question no. 6 (a)
b) Refer the Answer of the Question no. 6 (b) and (c)
17. a) Represent the galvanic cell based on the cell reaction given below:
Cu(s) + 2 Ag+ (aq) Cu2+(aq) + 2 Ag(s) (1)
b) Write the half cell reactions of the above cell. (1)
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c) Λ0m for NaCl, HCl and NaAc are 126.4, 425.9 and 91.0 S cm2 mol-1 respectively. Calculate Λ0m for HAc.
(2) [March 2017]
Ans: (a) Cu/Cu2+//Ag+/Ag
(b) Anode reaction: Cu Cu2+ + 2e-
Cathode reaction: Ag+ + e- Ag
(c) Refer the Answer of Question no. 1 (c)
18. a) Identify the weak electrolyte from the following:
i) KCl ii) NaCl iii) KBr iv) CH3COOH (1)
b) Kohlrausch’s law helps to determine the degree of dissociation of weak electrolyte at a given
concentration.
i) State Kohlrausch’s law. (1)
-5 2 -1
ii) The molar conductivity (Λm) of 0.001 M acetic acid is 4.95 x 10 S cm mol . Calculate the degree of
dissociation (α) at this concentration if the limiting molar conductivity (λ0m) for H+ is 340 x 10-5 S cm2
mol-1 and for CH3COO- is 50.5 x 10-5 Scm2 mol-1. (2) [SAY 2017]
Ans: a) CH3COOH
b) (i) Kohlrausch’s law states that the limiting molar conductivity of an electrolyte is the sum of the
individual contributions of the anion and the cation of the electrolyte.
(ii) Λ 0m (CH3COOH) = λ0(CH3COO- ) + λ0(H+)
= 50.5 x 10-5 + 340 x 10-5 = 390.5 x 10-5 Scm2 mol-1
Degree of dissociation (α) = λcm/λ0m = 4.95 x 10-5/(390.5 x 10-5) = 0.0127
19. Write the anode and cathode reactions occur in the operation of a lead storage battery. Mention the
electrolyte used in the battery. (2)
2-
Ans: Anode reaction: Pb + SO4 → PbSO4 + 2e –

Cathode reaction: PbO2 + SO42-+ 4H+ + 2e– → PbSO4 + 2H2O

Electrolyte used is 38% H2SO4 .
20. a) What are primary batteries? (1)
b) The cell potential of a mercury cell is 1.35 V, and remains constant during its life. Give reason. (1)
c) Write the equations of the reactions involved at each electrode in a H2 – O2 fuel cell. (2) [March 2018]
Ans: (a) These are batteries which cannot be recharged or reused. Or, here the reaction occurs only once.
(b) Since the overall reaction does not involve any ion in solution.
(c) Refer the Answer of Question no. 1 (c)
21. A solution of CuSO4, is electrolysed for20 minutes with a current of 1.5 amperes. What is the mass of
copper deposited at cathode? (Atomic mass of copper = 63) (3)
Ans: Quantity of electricity (Q) = Current in Ampere (I) x time in second (t)
= 1.5 x 20 x 60 = 1800 Coloumb
According to the reaction; Cu2+ + 2e– → Cu
2F (2 x 96500 C) of electricity can deposit 1 mol of Cu = 63g Cu.
So the mass of Cu deposited by 1800 C = 63 x 1800/(2x96500) = 0.5875 g
OR
m = Zit (Where Z is the electrochemical equivalence = Equivalent wt./96500)
Here I = 1.5 A and t = 20 min. = 20 x 60 s
Equivalent wt. of Cu = Atomic mass/ valency = 63/2 = 31.5
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So Z = 31.5/96500
Mass of Cu deposited = 31.5 x 1.5 x 20 x 60/96500 = 0.5875 g
22. Predict the products of electrolysis of the following substances at anode and cathode using suitable
chemical equations.
(a) Aqueous NaCl (b) H2SO4 solution (4)
Ans: a) When aqueous NaCl is electrolysed, we get H2 gas at the cathode and Cl2 gas at the anode.
NaCl solution contains 4 ions – Na+, Cl-, H+ and OH-
Cathode reaction: H+ + e- → ½ H2
Anode reaction: Cl- → ½ Cl2 + e-
NaOH is formed in the solution.
b) H2SO4 solution contains H+, OH- and SO42- ions. On electrolysis, the following reactions occur at the
electrodes.
Cathode reaction: H+ + e- → ½ H2
Anode reaction: 2H2O → O2 + 4H+ + 4e – (for concentrated solution)
2–
2SO4 →S2O8 + 2e2 – – (for dilute solution)
(peroxodisulphate ion)
23. a) Symbolically represent standard hydrogen electrode, when it acts as an anode and as cathode.
(b) Write Nernst equation for a Daniel cell. (Assume activity of metals is unity). (4) [SAY 2018]
+ +
Ans: a) SHE can be represented as Pt(s)/H2(g)/H (aq) when it acts as anode and as H (aq)/H2(g)/Pt(s)
when it acts as cathode.
b) For a Daniel cell, the cell reaction is: Zn(s) + Cu2+ (aq) → Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s).
The Nernst equation is: Ecell = E0cell + 0.0591 log [Cu2+]
2 [Zn2+]
OR, Ecell = E0cell – 0.0591 log [Zn2+]
2 [Cu2+]
24. Diagrammatically represent H2 – O2 fuel cell and write the half cell reactions taking place in this cell.
(4) [March 2019]
Ans:

The half cell reactions are:

Cathode reaction: O2(g) + 2H2O(l ) + 4e–→ 4OH–(aq)
Anode reaction: 2H2 (g) + 4OH–(aq) → 4H2O(l) + 4e–
[Overall reaction: 2H2(g) + O2(g)⎯ → 2 H2O(l)]
25. How do galvanic cells differ from electrolytic cells? (2)

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Ans: Galvanic cells (Electrochemical cells) convert chemical energy to electrical energy while electrolytic
cells convert electrical energy to chemical energy.
26. (a) Describe about standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE). (3)
(b) The emf of the cell obtained by coupling an electrode with SHE was 1.37V. If SHE is the +ve
electrode, find the potential of the given electrode. (1) [SAY 2019]
Ans: a) SHE consists of a platinum electrode coated with platinum black.
The electrode is dipped in an acidic solution of one molar concentration
and pure hydrogen gas at 1 bar pressure and 298K is bubbled through it.
It is represented as Pt(s)/H2(g)/H+ (aq).
By convention, the electrode potential of SHE is taken as zero.
To determine the electrode potential of an electrode, it is connected
in series with the standard hydrogen electrode and the emf of the
resulting cell is determined by the equation, E0cell = E0R – E0L

b) Since SHE is the positive electrode (cathode), it is placed at the RHS.

We know that E0cell = E0R – E0L
i.e. 1.37 = 0 – EL
So, E0L = – 1.37V
So the std. electrode potential of the given electrode = -1.37V

27. The limiting molar conductivity of weak electrolytes can be calculated by using the law:
a) Faraday’s law b) Kohlrausch law c)Henry’s law d) Raoult’s law (1)
Ans: a) Kohlrausch law
28. Daniel cell converts the chemical energy liberated during the redox reaction to electrical energy.
Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) → Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s); E0cell = 1.1 V
(a) Identify the anode and cathode in Daniel cell (1)
(b) Calculate the standard Gibbs energy (∆rG0) for the reaction. (2)
(c) Give the Nernst equation of above cell reaction. (1) [March 2020]

Ans: a) Anode: Zn rod dipped in ZnSO4 solution Or, Zn/ZnSO4

Cathode: Cu rod dipped in CuSO4 solution Or, Cu/CuSO4
b) ∆rG0 = – nFE0cell
Here n = 2, F= 96500 C and E0cell = 1.1 V
So ∆rG0 = – 2 x 96500 x 1.1 = – 212300 J/mol = – 212.3 kJ/mol
c) Ecell = E0cell – 2.303RT log [Zn2+]
2F [Cu2+]
OR, Ecell = E0cell – 0.0591 log [Zn2+]
2 [Cu2+]
29. The cell potential of mercury cell is nearly ________.
(a) 1.50 V (b) 1.35 V (c) 1.91 V (d) 1.2 V (1)
Ans: 1.35 V
30. The rusting of iron can be considered as due to the formation of electrochemical cell on its surface.

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(a) Write the anodic and cathodic reactions taking place during rusting. (2)
(b) Mention any two methods to prevent corrosion of iron. (1)
(c) Represent the galvanic cell based on the cell reaction given below:
Cu(s) + 2Ag+ (aq) Cu (aq) + 2Ag(s) (1) [SAY 2020]
Ans: (a) Anode reaction: 2 Fe (s)→2 Fe2+ + 4 e–
Cathode reaction: O2(g) + 4 H+(aq) + 4 e– ⎯→ 2 H2O (l )

(b) The methods to prevent corrosion of metals are:

a) By giving a non-metallic coating on the metal surface with paint, varnish etc.
b) By coating the metal surface with electropositive metal like zinc, magnesium etc.
c) By coating with anti-rust solution.
d) By connecting the metal with a sacrificial electrode of another metal (like Mg, Zn, etc.) which
corrodes itself but saves the iron object (sacrificial protection). [Any 2 methods required]
2+
(c) Cu|Cu ||Ag |Ag +

31. (i) The electrolyte used in Lead-storage battery is ……………. (1)

(ii) Give one example for a primary cell. (1)
Ans: (i) 38% H2SO4
(ii) Dry cell or Mercury cell
32. (i) Daniel cell is represented as Zn(s)/Zn2+(aq)//Cu2+(aq)/Cu(s). Write Nernst equation for Daniel cell. (1)
(ii) The conductivity of 0.2M solution of KCl at 298 K is 0.024g S cm-1. Calculate its molar conductivity. (2)
Ans: (i) Ecell = E0cell – 2.303RT log [Zn2+]
2F [Cu2+]
OR, Ecell = E0cell – 0.0591 log [Zn2+]
2 [Cu2+]
(ii) Conductivity and molar conductivity are related as: λm = 1000 ƙ/M
Here ƙ = 0.0248 S cm-1 and molarity, M = 0.2 M
So λm = 1000 x 0.0248/0.2 = 124 S cm2 mol-1
33. Variation of molar conductivity (Λ m) versus concentration (√c) for a strong and weak electrolytes are
given below :

Λ 0m

Λm

(i) Identify I and II as strong and weak electrolytes. (1)

(ii) What does Λ 0m indicate? (1)
(iii) Suggest a method to determine Λ 0m for the electrolyte II. (1)
Ans: (i) I is strong electrolyte and II is weak electrolyte.

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(ii) λ0m indicates the limiting molar conductivity or molar conductivity at zero concentration.
(iii) By using Kohlrausch’s law
34. (i) Explain the construction and working of H2 – O2 fuel cell. (3)
(ii) Write two methods to prevent corrosion of metals. (1) [March 2021]
Ans: (i) In H2 – O2 fuel cells, hydrogen and oxygen gases are bubbled through porous carbon electrodes
into concentrated aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. Catalysts like finely divided platinum or palladium
metal are filled in the electrodes.

The electrode reactions are:

Cathode: O2(g) + 2H2O(l ) + 4e–→4OH–(aq)
Anode: 2H2 (g) + 4OH–(aq) → 4H2O(l) + 4e–
Overall reaction is: 2H2(g) + O2(g) ⎯→ 2 H2O(l)

(ii) Refer the Answer of Question no.29 (b)

35. Point out the advantages of fuel cells over other galvanic cells. (2)
Refer the Answer of Question no. 1 (d)
36. A galvanic cell is represented as Mg(s)|Mg2+(aq)||Ag+(aq)|Ag(s)
Identify the anode and cathode of the above cell and write Nernst equation for its cell potential. (3)
Ans: Anode is Mg electrode and cathode is Ag electrode
Ecell = E0cell – 2.303RT log [Mg2+]
2F [Ag+]2
OR, Ecell = E0cell – 0.0591 log [Mg2+]
2 [Ag+]2
37. Λ0m of acetic acid can be calculated, if we know the Λ0m values of certain suitable strong electrolytes.
Explain how. (3)
Ans: Refer the Answer of Question no. 8 (iii)
38. (i) What is corrosion? (1)
(ii) Briefly explain the electrochemical processes involved in the rusting of iron. (3) [SAY 2021]
Ans: It is the process of formation of oxide or other compounds of a metal on its surface by the action of
air, water-vapour, CO2 etc.
(ii) Rusting of Iron is a redox reaction. At a particular spot of the metal, oxidation takes place and that
spot behaves as anode. Here Fe is oxidized to Fe2+. 2 Fe (s)→2 Fe2+ + 4 e–
Electrons released at anodic spot move through the metal and go to another spot on the metal and
reduce oxygen in presence of H+ . This spot behaves as cathode. The reaction taking place at this spot is:
O2(g) + 4 H+(aq) + 4 e– ⎯→ 2 H2O (l )
The overall reaction is:
2Fe(s)+O2(g) + 4H+(aq) → 2Fe2 +(aq)+ 2 H2O (l )
The ferrous ions (Fe2+) are further oxidised to ferric ions (Fe3+) and finally to hydrated ferric oxide (Fe2O3.
x H2O), which is called rust.
39. The law that can be used to determine the limiting molar conductivity (λm) of weak electrolytes is _____.
(1)
Ans: Kohlrausch law

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40. The galvanic cells which are used to convert the energy of combustion of fuels like hydrogen, methane
etc into electrical energy are generally called as _____. (1)
Ans: Fuel cells
41. (i) What are secondary batteries? (1)
(ii) Write the electrode reactions and the overall cell reaction happening in the lead storage battery
when it is in use. (3) [March 2022]
Ans: (i) Secondary cells are electrochemical cells which can be recharged and reused.
(ii) Anode reaction: Pb + SO42- → PbSO4 + 2e–
Cathode reaction: PbO2 + SO42-+ 4H+ + 2e– → PbSO4 + 2H2O
Net Reaction: Pb + PbO2 + 2 H2SO4 2 PbSO4 + 2 H2O
42. State Kohlrausch’s law of independent migration of ions. (1)
Ans: Refer the Answer of Question no. 17 b (i)
43. Charge of one mole of electrons is:
(i) 1.6021 x 10–19 C (ii) 96500 C (iii) 6.022 x 1023 C (iv) 1 C (1)
Ans: (ii) 96500 C
44. (i) The standard electrode potential for Daniel cell is 1.1 V. Calculate the standard Gibbs Energy change
for the reaction: Zn(s) + Cu 2+ (aq) Zn 2+(aq) + Cu(s). (2)
(ii) Explain the working of H2 – O2 fuel cell. (2) [SAY 2022]
0 0
Ans: (i) We know that ∆G = - nFE cell
Given E0cell = 1.1 V and n = 2
So, ∆G0= -2 x 96500 x 1.1 = -212300 J/mol = 212.3 kJ/mol
(ii) Refer the Answer of Question no. 1 (c)
45. Λ0m for NaCl, HCl and NaAc are 126.4, 425.9 and 91.0 S cm2 mol-1 respectively. Calculate Λ0m for HAc. (2)
Ans: Given Λ 0m (NaCl) = 126.4 Scm2mol-1, Λ 0m (HCl) = 425.9 Scm2mol-1 and Λ 0m (NaAc) = 91.0
Scm2mol-1
Applying Kohlrausch’s law, Λ 0m(HAc) =Λ 0m (NaAc) + Λ 0m (HCl) – Λ 0m (NaCl)
= 91.0 + 425.9 – 126.4 = 390.5 Scm2mol-1
46. (i) Define Molar Conductivity. (1)
(ii) Graphically represent the variation of molar conductivity with concentration for strong and weak
electrolytes. (2)
Ans: (i) Molar conductivity is the conductivity of 1 mole of an electrolytic solution kept between two
electrodes of a conductivity cell with unit area of cross section and at a distance of unit length.
(ii)

47. Lead storage battery which is commonly used in automobiles is an example fora secondary cell.

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(i) Write the name of anode and cathode used in this cell. (1)
(ii) Write the reactions taking place in the anode and cathode of this cell. (2)
(iii) Explain how this cell can be recharged. (1) [March 2023]
Ans: (i) Anode: Lead (Pb) Cathode: A grid of lead packed with PbO2
(ii) Anode reaction: Pb + SO4 2- → PbSO4 + 2e–
Cathode reaction: PbO2 + SO4 2-+ 4H+ + 2e– → PbSO4 + 2H2O.
(iii) The cell can be recharged by applying an external potential higher than the potential of the cell.
48. Differentiate between primary and secondary cells. Give an example for each. (2)
Ans: Refer the Answer of Question no. 7 (a)
49. (i) How can we determine the Molar conductance at infinite dilution of acetic acid? (1)
(ii) State the Law behind this. (2)
Ans: (i) By using Kohlrausch’s law OR, Refer the Answer of Question no. 9 (iii)
(ii) Kohlrausch’s law states that the limiting molar conductivity of an electrolyte is the sum of the
individual contributions of the anion and the cation of the electrolyte.
50. (i) Give the cell representation of Daniel cell. (1)
(ii) The standard electrode potential for Daniel cell is 1.1 V. Calculate the standard Gibb’s energy change
for the reaction. (2)
Ans: (i) Zn|Zn2+||Cu2+|Cu
(ii) ∆rG0 = – nFE0cell
Here n = 2, F= 96500 C and E0cell = 1.1 V
So ∆rG0 = – 2 x 96500 x 1.1 = – 212300 J/mol = – 212.3 kJ/mol
51. (i) Write the cathode and anode reactions of H2 – O2 fuel cell. (2)
(ii) What are the advantages of fuel cells over other cells ? (2) [SAY 2023]
Ans: Refer the Answer of Question no. 2 (c) and (d)
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