PHYSICAL SCIENCE DAY FOUR:

1. ACIDS AND BASES

2. CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM
3. ELECTROCHEMISTRY

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ACIDS AND BASES

2019 Northern Cape Preliminary Paper 2 Q 7

7.1 Define an acid according to the Bronsted-Lowry theory. (2)

7.2 Calculate the pH of a sodium hydroxide solution of concentration 0.75 moldm−3 (5)
7.3 Seashells contain calcium carbonate (CaCO3 ). In a test to find the percentage of calcium
carbonate (CaCO3 ) present in seashells, 75 cm3 of a 0,5 moldm−3 hydrochloric acid (HCℓ)
solution is added to a 5 g sample of seashells. The acid is in excess. The balanced equation for
the reaction is given below.
CaCO3 (s) + 2HCl(aq) → CaCl2 (aq) + CO2 (g) + H2 O(𝑙)
The excess acid required 22 cm3 of the above sodium hydroxide solution for
complete neutralisation according to the following balanced equation
HCl (aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2 O(𝑙)
Calculate the percentage of calcium carbonate (CaCO3 ) in the sample of seashells. (8)

2015 Mpumalanga Preliminary Paper 2 Q 7

A bottle in a laboratory contains dilute sulphuric acid of unknown concentration.

Learners wish to determine the concentration of the sulphuric acid solution. To do
this they titrate the sulphuric acid against a standard potassium hydroxide solution.
The balanced equation for the reaction taking place is:
2KOH(aq) + H2 SO4 (l) → K 2 SO4 (aq) + 2H2 O(l)
7.1.1 What is a standard solution? (1)
7.1.2 Calculate the mass of KOH which he must use to make the 300 cm3 of a
0.2 moldm-3 KOH solution (3)
7.1.3 Calculate the pH of the 0.2 moldm-3 KOH solution (5)
7.1.4 Which one of the indicators listed in the table below should he use in this
titration. Explain your answer.

INDICATOR pH
Methyl orange 2.9 - 4.0
Methyl red 4.4 - 6.0
Bromothymol blue 6.0 - 10.0
Phenolphthalein 8.3 - 10.0

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7.1.5 During the titration the learners find that 15 cm3 of the KOH solution
neutralizes 20 cm3 of the H2 SO4 solution. Calculate the concentration of the H2 SO4
solution. (4)
7.2 An impure sample of calcium oxalate, CaC2 O4 with a mass of 0.803 g is titrated with
15.70 cm3 of a 0.101 moldm-3 KMNO4.
The net reaction is:
2MnO4 − + 5C2 O4 2− + 16H + → 2Mn2+ + 10CO2 + 8H2 O

Calculate the percentage purity of the CaC2 O4 in the original sample (6)

2024 North West Preliminary Paper 2 Q 7

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a weak acid
7.1.1 Define the term weak acid (2)
7.1.2 A sample of hydrofluoric acid has a pH of 4,5 at 25 ℃
Calculate the concentration of the hydronium ion (H3 O+ (aq)) in the sample (3)
When the hydrofluoric acid reacts with sodium hydroxide, sodium fluoride is formed
7.1.3 Will the pH of the sodium fluoride solution be GREATER THAN 7, SMALLER THAN 7
or EQUAL TO 7?
Give a reason for the answer (2)
7.2 In REACTION A, 3,5 g of pure MgCO3 (s) reacted completely in 50cm3 of HCl.
The balanced equation for the reaction is given below:
REACTION A:
MgCO3 + 2HCl → MgCl2 + CO2 + H2 O
The excess HCl neutralizes exactly 20 cm3 of NaOH solution with a concentration of
1,2 moldm−3 in REACTION B.
REACTION B
HCl (aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2 O(𝑙)
7.2.1 Calculate the number of moles of HCl that reacted in REACTION A (3)
7.2.2 Calculate the concentration of the original solution of HCl (6)

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2020 November Paper 2 Q 7
7.1 Ethanoic acid (CH3 COOH) is an ingredient of household vinegar
7.1.1 Is ethanoic acid a WEAK acid or a STRONG acid? Give a reason for the answer (2)
7.1.2 An ethanoic acid solution has a pH of 3,85 at 25 °C. Calculate the concentration of
the hydronium ions, H3 O+ (aq), in the solution. (3)
Sodium ethanoate, CH3 COONa (aq), forms when ethanoic acid reacts with sodium
hydroxide.
7.1.3 Will the pH of a sodium ethanoate solution be GREATER THAN 7, LESS THAN 7
or EQUAL TO 7? (1)
7.1.4 Explain the answer to QUESTION 7.1.3 with the aid of a balanced chemical
equation. (3)
7.2 Household vinegar contains 4,52% ethanoic acid, CH3 COOH by volume.
A 1,2 g impure sample of calcium carbonate (CaCO3 ) is added to 25 cm3 household vinegar.
On completion of the reaction, the EXCESS ethanoic acid in the household vinegar is
neutralised by 14,5 cm3 of a sodium hydroxide solution of concentration 1 moldm−3 . The
balanced equation for the reaction is:
CH3 COOH(aq) + NaOH(aq) → CH3 COOHNa(aq) + H2 O(𝑙)
7.2.1 Calculate the number of moles of the unreacted ethanoic acid. (3)
7.2.2 Calcium carbonate reacts with ethanoic acid according to the following balanced
equation:

CaCO3 (s) + 2CH3 COOH(aq) → (CH3 COO)2 Ca(aq) + CO2 (g) + H2 O(𝑙)
Calculate the percentage calcium carbonate in the impure sample if 1 cm3 of
household vinegar has a mass of 1 g. (8)

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2022 Gauteng Preliminary Paper 2 Q 7
7.1 Define the term acid according to the Arrhenius theory. (2)
7.2 Consider the following acid-base reactions.

𝐗: HF + H2 O ⇌ H3 O+ + F −
𝐘: HNO3 + NH3 ⇌ NH4 + + NO3 −
7.2.1 From reactions X and Y identify the reaction that illustrates the
Arrhenius theory. (1)
7.2.2 Write down a balanced equation for the hydrolysis of NH4 + ions (3)
7.2.3 Will the resultant solution from QUESTION 7.2.2 be acidic, basic or neutral?
Give a reason for your answer. (2)
A sodium hydroxide solution is prepared by dissolving 4 g of sodium hydroxide in
water to make a 500 cm3 solution.
7.3.1 Calculate the concentration of the sodium hydroxide solution (3)
7.3.2 During a titration, 12,5 cm3 of sodium hydroxide solution neutralises
25 cm3 of a sulphuric acid solution according to the following balanced chemical
equation:
2NaOH(aq) + H2 SO4 (aq) → Na2 SO4 (aq) + H2 O(l)

Calculate the pH of the H2 SO4 solution. (7)

2016 Eastern Cape Preliminary Paper 2 Q 7

Oxalic acid,(COOH)2 ionises in two steps as shown below.
(COOH)2 (aq) + H2 O (l) ⇌ H3 O+ (aq) + H(COOH)2 − (aq) K a = 5.4 × 10−2 at 25℃
H(COOH)2 − (aq) + H2 O(l) ⇌ H3 O+ (aq) + (COO)2 2− (aq) K a = 5.4 × 10−5 at 25℃
7.1.1 Write down in words what the symbol, K a ,stands for. (1)
7.1.2 Why is the temperature at which the K a is calculated always given? (1)
7.1.3 H2 O is acting as a base in both reactions. Write down the FORMULA of a
substance that acts as an ampholyte in the reactions. (3)
7.1.4 Write down the net equation for the ionisation of oxalic acid. (4)
7.2 A sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution of volume 40 cm3 and concentration
1 mol·dm-3 is prepared.
7.2.1 Calculate the mass of sodium hydroxide needed to prepare the
solution. (4)

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The 40 cm3 of sodium hydroxide solution of concentration 1 moldm-3 is added to 50 cm3 of a
0,06 moldm-3 sulphuric acid (H2 SO4 ) solution in a flask. The reaction taking place in the flask is
given below.
2NaOH(aq) + H2 SO4 (aq) → Na2 SO4 (aq) + H2 O(l)
Calculate the:
7.2.2 initial number of moles of sulphuric acid in the flask. (3)
7.2.3 pH of the solution in the flask after the completion of the reaction. (8)
7.3 A titration between solutions of a strong base and standard ethanoic acid
(CH3 COOH) solution is performed. The acid is added from apparatus X into
a flask under which a white tile is placed is reached. until a point where the indicator
changes colour

7.3.1 Write down a term for the underlined phrase. (1)

7.3.2 Name apparatus X from which the acid is added. (1)
7.3.3 What is the purpose of the white tile? (1)
7.3.4 A learner performing the titration accidentally adds three drops of the acid
after the indicator has changed colour. When she measures the pH of the
solution after adding the three drops she finds out that the solution has a
pH > [Link] the aid of a balanced equation, explain why the solution has a
pH > 7. (4)

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2015 Limpopo Preliminary Paper 2 Q 7
Like all equilibrium constants, the ionic product, Kw, of water changes its value as the
temperature changes, as shown in the table below.

7.1.1 Is the ionisation of water EXOTHERMIC or ENDOTHERMIC? (1)

7.1.2 Water is an ampholyte. Explain what this statement means (1)
7.1.3 Show, by means of a suitable calculation, that the pH of water at 65 °C
is 6,77. (4)
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7.2 A learner is asked to prepare 200 cm of a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution of
concentration 0,5 moldm-3.
7.2.1 Determine the mass of sodium hydroxide pellets he needs to use to do this. (4)
Using an accurate balance, the learner accurately measures the correct mass of the NaOH
pellets. To the pellets he now adds exactly 200 cm3 of pure water.
7.2.2 Will his solution have the correct concentration? State only YES or NO. (1)
7.2.3 Explain the answer to QUESTION 7.2.2. (1)
3 -3 3
300 cm of a 0,1 moldm solution of sulphuric acid (H2 SO4 ) is added to 200 cm of a
0,5 moldm-3 solution of NaOH at 25 °C.
The equation for the reaction that takes place is:
2NaOH (aq) + H2 SO4 (aq) → Na2 SO4 (aq) + 2H2 O(l)
7.2.4 Name the piece of apparatus that can be used to accurately measure 300 cm 3
of the solution of H2 SO4 . (1)
7.2.5 Classify, stating a reason, sulphuric acid as a STRONG or a WEAK acid. (2)
7.2.6 Calculate the number of moles of H2 SO4 which were added to the NaOH
solution (3)
7.2.7 Calculate the concentration of the hydronium ion H3 O+ in the FINAL
mixture. (4)

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2018 Senior Certificate Preliminary Paper 2 Q 7

The reaction between a sulphuric acid (H2 SO4 ) solution and a sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
solution is investigated using the apparatus illustrated below.

7.1 Write down the name of the experimental procedure illustrated above. (1)
7.2 What is the function of the burette? (1)
7.3 Define an acid in terms of the Arrhenius theory. (2)
7.4 Give a reason why sulphuric acid is regarded as a strong acid. (1)
7.5 Bromothymol blue is used as indicator. Write down the colour change that will
take place in the Erlenmeyer flask on reaching the endpoint of the titration.
Choose from the following:
BLUE TO YELLOW YELLOW TO BLUE GREEN TO YELLOW (1)

During the titration a learner adds 25 cm3of NaOH(aq) of concentration 0,1 moldm−3 .
to an Erlenmeyer flask and titrates this solution with H2 SO4 (aq) of concentration
0,1 moldm−3 . The balanced equation for the reaction that takes place is:

2NaOH (aq) + H2 SO4 (aq) → Na2 SO4 (aq) + 2H2 O(l)

7.6 Determine the volume of H2 SO4 (aq) which must be added to neutralise the
NaOH(aq) in the Erlenmeyer flask completely. (4)
3 3
7.7 If the learner passes the endpoint by adding 5 cm 5 cm of the same H2 SO4 (aq) in
excess, calculate the pH of the solution in the flask. (7)

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2005 Higher Grade November Paper 2 Q 7

7.1 Write down:

7.1.1 The meaning of the term diprotic acid. (2)
7.1.2 The formula of a diprotic acid. (1)
Magnesium hydroxide Mg(OH)2 is often used as medicine to relieve an upset stomach.
The pH of the HCl (aq) in a person’s stomach is 1.
7.2.1 Calculate the concentration of the hydrochloric acid in the person’s
stomach. (3)
7.2.2 Will the pH in the stomach INCREASE, DECREASE or STAY THE SAME after
taking in a dose of Mg(OH)2? (2)
7.2.3 A person takes in a dose of Mg(OH)2. Write down the balanced equation for the
reaction that takes place in the stomach. (3)
A textbook states that calcium sulphate (CaSO4 ) is slightly soluble in water. Two learners
decided to test the dam water from a local municipality for calcium sulphate. They took
a 0,5 dm3 sample of the dam water and treated it with sodium carbonate solution to
precipitate the calcium ions present according to the following equation:

CaSO4 (aq) + Na2 CO3 (aq) → Na2 SO4 (aq) + CaCO3 (s)

The precipitate is then dissolved in 30 cm3 of 0,1 [Link]-3 HCl solution which converts the
precipitate to aqueous calcium chloride, water and carbon dioxide according to the following
equation:
CaCO3 (s) + 2HCl → CaCl2 + CO2 + H2 O

The HCl was in excess. They neutralised the excess HCl by adding 15,8 cm3 of a 0,1 [Link]-3
NaOH solution. The equation for the reaction is:

HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H2 O

Calculate the mass of calcium sulphate that was present in the sample of dam water. (10)

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CHEMICAL EQULIBRIUM

2021 November Paper 2 Q 6

Consider the balanced equation below for a hypothetical reaction that takes place in a sealed
2 dm3 container at 300 K.
2P(g) + Q2 (g) ⇌ 2PQ(g)
6.1 Define the term chemical equilibrium. (2)
6.2 The amount of each substance present in the equilibrium mixture at 300 K is
shown in the table below.

The temperature of the container is now increased to 350 K.

When a NEW equilibrium is established, it is found that 1,2 mol P(g) is present in the
container 6.2.1 Is the heat of the reaction (ΔH) POSITIVE or NEGATIVE? (1)
6.2.2 Use Le Chatelier's principle to explain the answer to QUESTION 6.2.1. (3)
6.2.3 Calculate the equilibrium constant at 350 K. (8)
6.2.4 How will the equilibrium constant calculated in QUESTION 6.2.3 be affected when
the volume of the container is decreased at constant temperature?
Choose from INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME.
Give a reason for the answer. (2)
6.3 More Q2(g) is now added to the reaction mixture at constant temperature.
How will EACH of the following be affected?
Choose from INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME
6.3.1 The yield of PQ (g) (1)
6.3.2 Number of moles of P(g) (1)

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2024 Gauteng June Paper 2 Q 6

The reaction between steam and chlorine gas reaches equilibrium in a closed container
according to the following balanced equation:

2H2 O (g) + 2Cl2 (g) ⇌ 4HCl(g) + O2 (g) ∆H = +113kJmol−1

6.1 Is this reaction EXOTHERMIC or ENDOTHERMIC? Give a reason for the

answer. (2)
6.2 The graphs below, not drawn to scale, show how the amount of products present
in the container change with time at a specific temperature. The volume of the
container is 5 dm3

6.2.1 Which reaction is favoured? Choose from FORWARD or REVERSE?

Give a reason for the answer. (2)
6.2.2 How do the rates of the forward and the reverse reactions compare at
time t3?Write down only GREATER THAN, SMALLER THAN or EQUAL TO. (1)
6.2.3 Calculate the equilibrium constant (Kc) for this reaction at this
temperature if there was initially 5 g of water and 5 g of chlorine. (9)
6.3 The pressure is NOW increased. How will this change affect the value of the
equilibrium constant? Write down only INCREASE, DECREASE or REMAINS THE SAME.
Give a reason for the answer. (2)
6.4 The reaction is repeated with a catalyst. Draw a potential energy diagram of this
reaction and indicate the non-catalysed reaction (B) and catalysed reaction (A)
on the same graph. (4)

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2011 March Paper 2 Q 7.4

A fertiliser company produces ammonia on a large scale at a temperature of 450 °C. The
balanced equation below represents the reaction that takes place in a sealed container.

N2 (g) + 3H2 (g) ⇌ 2NH3 (g) ∆H < 0

To meet an increased demand for fertiliser, the management of the company instructs
their engineer to make the necessary adjustments to increase the yield of ammonia.
In a trial run on a small scale in the laboratory, the engineer makes adjustments to the
TEMPERATURE, PRESSURE and CONCENTRATION of the equilibrium mixture.
The graphs below represent the results obtained.

7.2 Identify the changes made to the equilibrium mixture at each of the following times:
7.4.1 t1 (2)
7.4.2 t 2 (2)
7.4.3 t 3 (2)
7.5 At which of the above time(s) did the change made to the reaction mixture lead
to a higher yield of ammonia? Write down only t1 and/or t2 and/or t3. (2)
7.6 The engineer now injects 5 mol N2 and 5 mol H2 into a 5 dm3 sealed empty container.
Equilibrium is reached at 450 °C. Upon analysis of the equilibrium mixture, he finds that
the mass of NH3 is 20,4 g.
Calculate the value of the equilibrium constant (Kc) at 450 °C. (9)

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2017 November Paper 2 Q 6
Carbonyl bromide, COBr2 decomposes into carbon monoxide and bromine according to the
following balanced equation:

COBr2 (g) ⇌ CO(g) + Br2 (g) ∆H > 0

Initially COBr2(g) is sealed in a 2 dm3 container and heated to 73 °C. The reaction is allowed

to reach equilibrium at this temperature. The equilibrium constant for the reaction at this
temperature is 0,19.
6.1 Define chemical equilibrium. (2)
At equilibrium it is found that 1,12 g CO(g) is present in the container
6.2 Calculate
6.2.1 Equilibrium concentration of the COBr2 (g) (7)
6.2.2 Percentage of COBr2 (g) that decomposed at 73 °C
6.3 Which ONE of the following CORRECTLY describes the K c value when equilibrium is
reached at a lower temperature?

6.4 The pressure of the system is now decreased by increasing the volume of the container
at 73 °C and the system is allowed to reach equilibrium.
How will the number of moles of COBr2 (g) be affected? Choose from INCREASES,
DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME. Explain the answer. (3)

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2015 March Paper 2 Q 6

Pure hydrogen iodide, sealed in a 2 dm3 container at 721 K, decomposes according to the
following balanced equation:

2HI (g) ⇌ H2 (g) + I2 (g) ∆H = 26kJmol−1

The graph below shows how reaction rate changes with time for this reversible reaction

6.1 Write down the meaning of the term reversible reaction. (1)
6.2 How does the concentration of the reactant change between the 12th
and the 15th minute? Write down only INCREASES, DECREASES or NO CHANGE. (1)
6.3 The rates of both the forward and the reverse reactions suddenly change at
t = 15 minutes.
6.3.1 Give a reason for the sudden change in reaction rate (1)
6.3.2 Fully explain how you arrived at the answer to QUESTION 6.3.1. (1)
The equilibrium constant (Kc) for the forward reaction is 0,02 at 721 K.
6.4 At equilibrium it is found that 0,04 mol HI(g) is present in the container.
Calculate the concentration of H2(g) at equilibrium (6)
6.5 Calculate the equilibrium constant for the reverse reaction. (1)
6.6 The temperature is now increased to 800 K. How will the value of the equilibrium
constant (Kc) for the forward reaction change? Write down only INCREASES,
DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME. (1)

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2021 Senior Certificate Paper 2 Q 6
Pure hydrogen iodide gas, HI(g), of concentration 1 mol∙dm-3, is sealed in a 500 cm3 container
at temperature T. The reaction reaches equilibrium according to the following balanced
equation:

2HI (g) ⇌ H2 (g) + I2 (g)

6.1 Define the term chemical equilibrium. (2)
6.2 The graph below shows how the concentrations of the reactant and products vary
with time during the reaction.

6.2.1 Which ONE of the curves, X or Y, represents the changes in the concentration of
the products? Give a reason for the answer. (2)
6.2.2 How does the rate of the forward reaction compare to that of the reverse reaction
at t = 4 minutes? Choose from HIGHER THAN, LOWER THAN or EQUAL TO. (1)
6.3 The equilibrium constant, Kc, for the reaction is 0,04 at temperature T. Calculate the
number of moles of iodine, I2(g), present at time t = 6 minutes. (9)
6.4 The graph below shows how the rates of the forward and reverse reactions change
with time.

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The temperature of the container is increased at t = 10 minutes.
6.4.1 Which reaction(s) show(s) an increase in rate at t = 10 minutes? Choose from
FORWARD, REVERSE or BOTH FORWARD AND REVERSE. (1)
6.4.2 Is the heat of reaction (ΔH) for this reaction POSITIVE or NEGATIVE? Fully explain
the answer (4)

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2024 North West Preliminary Paper 2 Q 5
The table below shows the effect of temperature changes on the value of the equilibrium
constant (Kc) when the following reaction takes place in a closed container of volume 500 cm 3.

6.1 Define the term chemical equilibrium. (2)

6.2 Which colour will be seen at 300 K? Choose from BROWN, COLOURLESS or
LIGHT BROWN. (1)
6.3 Is the forward reaction exothermic or endothermic? Explain the answer. (3)
6.4 X g of NO2 is sealed in the container at 300 [Link] equilibrium, the concentration of
N2O4 was 3 mol∙[Link] X. (8)
6.5 How will an increase in the reactant (NO2) at 700 K effect the rate of the reverse
reaction? Choose from INCREASES, DECREASES or STAYS THE SAME. (1)
6.6 The pressure on the system is increased by decreasing the volume of the container at
300 [Link] will this change affect the:
6.6.1 Value of KC?Choose from INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME.
Give a reason for the answer. (2)
6.6.2 Concentration of the products? Choose from INCREASES, DECREASES or
REMAINS THE SAME. Explain the answer using Le Chatelier's principle. (3)

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2014 Exemplar Paper 2 Q 6
A sample of N2O4 gas is sealed in a container and heated. The N2O4 gas decomposes to
NO2 gas and the reaction reaches equilibrium according to the following balanced equation:
N2O4(g) ⇌ 2NO2(g) ΔH > 0
The graph below shows how the concentrations of the two gases change as a result of changes
made to the reaction conditions.

6.1 Define the term chemical equilibrium. (2)

6.2 How does the rate of the forward reaction compare to that of the reverse reaction
at each of the following times? Only write down HIGHER THAN, LOWER THAN or
EQUAL TO.
6.2.1 t1 (1)
6.2.2 t2 (1)
6.3 What change was made to the reaction conditions at each of the following times?
In both instances, the equilibrium constant for the reaction did not change.
6.3.1 t3 (1)
6.3.2 t4 (1)
6.4 How will an increase in temperature influence the yield of NO2(g)? Write down
INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME. Use Le Chatelier's principle to explain the
answer. (3)
3
6.5 Initially 0,92 mol N2O4 gas is sealed in a 2 dm container and heated to 100 °C. At
equilibrium it is found that 20,7% of the N2O4 gas has decomposed to NO2 gas. Calculate the
equilibrium constant (Kc) for this reaction at 100 °C. (7)

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ELECTROCHEMISTRY
2023 November Paper 2 Q 9

An electrolytic cell is set up to purify a piece of copper that contains silver and zinc as
impurities. A simplified diagram of the cell is shown below. Electrode R is impure
copper.

9.1 Define the term electrolysis. (2)

9.2 Write down the reaction taking place at electrode Q (2)
9.3 In which direction do the electrons flow in the external circuit? Choose from
Q to R or R to Q. (1)
9.4 Calculate the current needed to form 16 g of copper when the cell operates
for five hours. (5)
9.5 During this electrolysis, only copper and zinc are oxidised.
Give a reason why the silver is not oxidized (2)

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2019 Senior Certificate Paper 1 Q 8
The electrochemical cell below functions under standard conditions

8.1 Give a reason why platinum is used as the electrode in half-cell A. (1)
8.2 Write down the:
8.2.1 Energy conversion that takes place in this cell (1)
8.2.2 Half-reaction that takes place at the cathode (2)
8.2.3 Cell notation for this cell (3)
8.3 Calculate the initial emf of this cell. (4)
8.4 Silver chloride is an insoluble salt. What will be the effect on the cell potential
when a small amount of silver nitrate solution, AgNO3(aq), is added to half-cell A?
Choose from INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME. (2)

20
2019 Senior Certificate Paper 2 Q 9
The diagrams below represent two electrochemical cells.
P, Q, X and Y are carbon electrodes

When cell B is functioning, the mass of electrode X increases.

9.1 What type of electrochemical cell, GALVANIC or ELECTROLYTIC, is illustrated
above? (2)
9.2 Write down the half-reaction that takes place at electrode Q. (1)
9.3 The products formed in the two cells are compared.
9.3.1 Name ONE substance that is produced in BOTH cells (1)
9.3.2 Write down the LETTERS of the TWO electrodes where this product is formed.
Choose from P, Q, X and Y. (2)
9.4 Is electrode X the CATHODE or the ANODE? Give a reason for the answer (2)
9.5 Write down the net (overall) cell reaction that takes place in cell B. (3)

21
2016 KwaZulu Natal Preliminary Paper 2 Q 9
The simplified diagram below shows an electrolytic cell used at an electroplating company to
coat iron medals with silver

9.1 Write down the energy conversion that takes place in this cell. (1)
9.2 What physical change takes place at electrode Y when the cell is in operation? (2)
9.3 Which type of reaction (OXIDATION or REDUCTION) takes place at electrode Y? (1)
9.4 Write down the:
9.4.1 Equation for the half-reaction that takes place at the iron medal (2)
9.4.2 NAME or FORMULA of electrolyte X (1)
9.5 Give a reason why the concentration of electrolyte X remains constant during
electroplating. (2)

2022 Eastern Cape Preliminary Paper 1 Q 8

A galvanic cell is set up under standard conditions using half-cells A and B shown below.
Half-cell A: Cu(s)/Cu2+(aq) Half-cell B: H2O(ℓ) /O2(g)/ H+(aq)
8.1 Define oxidation in terms of electron transfer. (2)
8.2 Write down the:
8.2.1 Initial concentration of the H+(aq) solution in half-cell B (1)
8.2.2 Name of the metal used as the electrode in half-cell B (1)
8.2.3 Formula of the reducing agent (1)

22
8.2.4 Reduction half reaction (2)
8.2.5 Balanced ionic equation for the overall cell reaction (3)
8.3 The graph below shows the EMF of this cell against time

8.3.1 Calculate the value of x on the graph. (4)

8.3.2 Explain the decrease in the EMF of the cell as time proceeds. (2)
8.3.3 What has happened to the reaction in the cell at time t 1? (1)

2014 Free State Preliminary Paper 2 Q 9

The simplified diagram below represents an electrochemical cell used for the
electrolysis of a concentrated sodium chloride solution.

9.1 Is the above cell a GALVANIC or an ELECTROLYTIC cell? (1)

9.2 Chlorine gas is released at electrode Q. Write down the:
9.2.1 Electrode (P or Q) at which reduction takes place (1)
9.2.2 Half-reaction that takes place at electrode P (2)

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9.2.3 Direction (P TO Q or Q TO P) in which electrons flow in the external
circuit (1)
9.2.4 NAME of the species that acts as reducing agent (1)
9.3 Write down the balanced net (overall) cell reaction taking place in this cell. (3)

2019 Western Cape Preliminary Paper 2 Q 8.2

The diagram below shows an electrochemical cell set up under standard conditions
using aluminium (Aℓ) and nickel (Ni) electrodes. AℓCℓ 3 (aq) and NiCℓ 2 (aq) are used as
electrolytes, and a solution of sodium nitrate (NaNO 3 (aq)) is used in the salt bridge.

Answer each of the following questions on this electrochemical cell:

8.2.1 The diagram indicates that electrons flow from metal X to metal Y .
Identify:
(a) Metal X (1)
(b) Electrolyte B (1)
8.2.2 What is the initial concentration of electrolyte B under standard conditions? (1)
8.2.3 Write down the FORMULA of the ions that moves from the salt bridge towards
the half cell that contains metal Y in the cell. (1)
8.2.4 Write down the half reaction that occurs at the cathode half cell. (2)
8.2.5 Calculate the initial reading on the voltmeter. (4)
8.2.6 State what happens to the concentration of metal ions in the solution containing
electrolyte A as the cell is in operation? Write only INCREASE, DECREASE or
REMAINS THE SAME. (1)
8.2.7 State the effect that your answer to question 8.2.6 has on the voltmeter
reading? Write only INCREASE, DECREASE or REMAINS THE SAME.
Briefly motivate your answer. (3)

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2014 Limpopo Preliminary Paper 2 Q 8
A grade 12 learner is given an assignment to arrange some metals according to their
reducing ability. He sets up the electrochemical cell shown in the diagram below.

8.1 Write down the name of the component labelled R and give ONE function of this
component. (2)
The learner uses different metals as electrodes. He records the following results:

8.2 State a suitable HYPOTHESIS for this investigation. (2)

8.3 Give a possible reason why the voltmeter reading for the silver-zinc cell is
negative. (2)
8.4 State a suitable conclusion for this experiment when the cell functions correctly. (2)
8.5 Consider the ZINC-CHROMIUM CELL represented by the notation below:
Zn(s)/Zn2+(aq, 1 mol·dm-3)//Cr3+ ( aq, 1 mol·dm-3) /Cr(s)
8.5.1 Use the table of Standard Reduction Potentials to determine the initial potential
difference (emf) of this cell under standard conditions. (4)
8.5.2 Is the reaction that occurs in this cell spontaneous? State only YES
or NO. Give a reason for the answer. (2)
8.5.3 How will the initial voltmeter reading be affected if the concentration of the electrolyte
in the Zn(s)/Zn2+(aq) half-cell is increased?
Write down only INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THESAME. (2)

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8.6 A learner sets up a zinc-chromium cell. The potential difference measured
differs from the one calculated in QUESTION 8.5.1. Give TWO possible reasons for this
difference in values. (2)

2024 Free State Preliminary Paper 2 Q 8

The following balanced chemical equation represents a reaction taking place when a
galvanic cell is in operation under STANDARD CONDITIONS. The initial reading on
the voltmeter is 0,14V.
6Cl− (aq) + 2Au3+ (aq) → 3Cl2 (g) + 2Au(s)
8.1 Write down TWO standard conditions under which it operates. (2)
8.2 For this cell, write down the:
8.2.1 Name or formula of the electrolyte that can be used in the salt bridge (2)
8.2.2 Reducing agent (1)
8.2.3 Cell notation (3)
8.3 Calculate the standard reduction potential of Au. (4)

2020 November Paper 2 Q 9

The simplified diagram below represents an electrolytic cell used to electroplate a copper (Cu)
coin with silver (Ag).

9.1 Define the term electrolysis. (2)

9.2 Which component in the diagram indicates that this is an electrolytic cell? (1)
9.3 Write down the NAME or FORMULA of the electrolyte. (1)
9.4 How will the concentration of the electrolyte change during electroplating? Choose
from INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME. Give a reason for the answer. (2)
9.5 Write down the balanced equation of the half-reaction that takes place at the silver
electrode. (2)

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2015 November Paper 2 Q 9
The simplified diagram below represents an electrochemical cell used for the purification of
copper.

9.1 Define the term electrolysis (2)

9.2 Give a reason why a direct-current (DC) source is used in this experiment. (1)
9.3 Write down the half-reaction which takes place at electrode A. (2)
9.4 Due to small amounts of zinc impurities in the impure copper, the electrolyte
2+
becomes contaminated with Zn ions. Refer to the attached Table of Standard
2+
Reduction Potentials to explain why the Zn ions will not influence the purity of
the copper obtained during this process. (3)
9.5 After the purification of the impure copper was completed, it was found that
2,85 × 10−2 moles of copper were formed. The initial mass of electrode B was 2,0 g.
Calculate the percentage of copper that was initially present in electrode B. (4)

2020 Gauteng Preliminary Paper 2 Q 8

A pupil sets up an electrochemical cell based on the following reaction:

Al(s) + Cu2+ (aq) → Al3+ (aq) + Cu(s)

8.1 Identify the type of electrochemical cell represented by this reaction. (1)
8.2 Represent this cell by writing its cell notation. (3)
8.3 Do the electrons in the external circuit flow from the Al- to the Cu- electrode or from
the Cu- to the Al- electrode? (1)
8.4 For this cell, write down the half reaction that take place at the anode. (2)
8.5 Calculate the initial emf of the cell under standard conditions. (4)
8.6 5 g of AlCl3 is dissolved in the aluminium half-cell of the standard cell.
8.6.1 What will be the effect on the cell potential? Choose from INCREASES,
DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME. (1)
8.6.2 Explain your answer to QUESTION 8.6.1. (3)
8.7 What energy conversion takes place when the cell is in operation? (1)

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2014 Mpumalanga Preliminary Paper 2 Q 10

The medal Natasha won for 3rd place in a dancing competition has badly tarnished,
and she wishes to coat it with copper.
10.1 Draw a fully annotated diagram indicating the apparatus and chemicals
Natasha would use to coat the medal. (6)
10.2 Write down the reduction half reaction which takes place during the coating
process (2)
10.3 Is the medal the anode or the cathode of the cell? (1)

2015 Limpopo Preliminary Paper 2 Q 9

The simplified diagram below represents an electrolytic cell used by a grandmother to preserve
her grandchild’s first leather shoe by electroplating it with silver.

9.1 Define the term electrolyte. (1)

9.2 Will the shoe be the ANODE or CATHODE of the cell? (1)
9.3 Write down the:
9.3.1 Half-reaction that occurs on the surface of the shoe. (2)
9.3.2 Chemical NAME or FORMULA of the electrolyte Z. (1)
9.4 Explain why the shoe must be coated with graphite before the plating
process. (1)
9.5 The shoe is continuously rotated during the process of electroplating.
Give a clear explanation for this observation. (1)
9.6 A constant current of 0,193 A passes through the solution for 2500 s and
the concentration of the electrolyte remains constant during the process.
Calculate the mass of silver which is plated onto the shoe. (3)

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