HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)

Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

Chemistry: Chapter 31 Redox reactions in chemical cells

Combined Science (Chemistry Part): Chapter 31 Redox reactions in chemical cells

Structured questions

Sections 31.131.2
|!|CMELF0073100001|!| |!|CSELF0073100001|!|
A student prepares a simple chemical cell as shown below.

salt bridge
graphite electrode X graphite electrode Y

AgNO3(aq) NaI(aq)

(a) Write half equations for the reactions taking place at electrodes X and Y
respectively. (2 marks)

(b) What would be observed at electrodes X and Y respectively? (2 marks)

(c) State and explain the change in the voltage measured when silver nitrate solution
is replaced by acidified potassium permanganate solution. (2 marks)

(d) (i) Explain why concentrated sodium chloride solution should NOT be used as
the electrolyte in the salt bridge. (1 mark)

(ii) Suggest a suitable electrolyte used in the salt bridge. (1 mark)

##

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(a) At electrode X: Ag+(aq) + e  Ag(s) 1

At electrode Y: 2I(aq)  I2(aq) + 2e 1
(b) Some silvery solids deposit around electrode X. 1
The solution around electrode Y changes from colourless to brown. 1
(c) Acidified potassium permanganate solution is a stronger oxidizing agent
than silver nitrate solution. 1
Hence, the voltage measured would be larger. 1
(d) (i) Silver ions react with chloride ions to give insoluble silver chloride. 1
(ii) Potassium nitrate solution (accept other reasonable answers) 1
___
8
##

|!|CMELF0073100002|!| |!|CSELF0073100002|!|
The following diagram shows a simple chemical cell.

salt bridge
graphite electrode graphite electrode

acidified potassium sodium sulphite

permanganate solution solution

(a) Suggest an electrolyte suitable for preparing the salt bridge. (1 mark)

(b) With the aid of a half equation, state what would be observed in acidified
potassium permanganate solution. (2 marks)

(c) With the aid of a half equation, state what would be observed in sodium sulphite
solution. (2 marks)

(d) (i) Predict the direction of electron flow in the external circuit. (1 mark)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(ii) Identify the cathode of the chemical cell. (1 mark)

##
(a) Potassium nitrate solution (accept other reasonable answers) 1
(b) The colour of the solution changes from purple to colourless. 1
MnO4(aq) + 8H+(aq) + 5e  Mn2+(aq) + 4H2O(l) 1
(c) There is no observable change. 1
SO32(aq) + H2O(l)  SO42(aq) + 2H+(aq) + 2e 1
(d) (i) Electrons flow from the right electrode to the left electrode. 1
(ii) The left electrode 1
___
7
##

|!|CMELF0073100003|!| |!|CSELF0073100003|!|
A simple chemical cell is shown below.

salt bridge
platinum electrode A platinum electrode B

iron(II) sulphate acidified potassium

solution dichromate solution

(a) State TWO functions of the salt bridge. (2 marks)

(b) State the direction of flow of electrons in the external circuit. (1 mark)

(c) Write an ionic equation for the overall reaction. (1 mark)

(d) A student stated that, if the salt bridge was not used and the two electrolytes were
mixed in the same container, the simple chemical cell could still produce

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

electricity. Comment on his statement. (2 marks)

##
(a) It completes the circuit by allowing ions to move from one half cell into
the other. 1
It provides ions to balance the charges in the solutions of the two half cells. 1
(b) Electrons flow from electrode A to electrode B in the external circuit. 1
(c) Cr2O72(aq) + 6Fe2+(aq) + 14H+(aq)  2Cr3+(aq) + 6Fe3+(aq) + 7H2O(l) 1
(d) His statement is incorrect. If the two electrolytes were mixed, redox
reaction would proceed directly in the solution. 1
Electron would not flow in the external circuit. 1
___
6
##

|!|CMELH0073100004|!| |!|CSELH0073100004|!|
A student used the following chemical cell to determine the relative position of
cadmium and nickel in the Electrochemical Series. She found that the voltmeter
showed a positive reading.
 +

salt bridge
cadmium nickel

cadmium(II) nitrate nickel(II) nitrate

solution solution

(a) State the direction of electron flow in the external circuit. (1 mark)

(b) Identify the anode in the chemical cell. (1 mark)

(c) With the aid of a half equation, state ONE observable change in the nickel-
nickel(II) ion half cell. (2 marks)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(d) Which metal, cadmium or nickel, is at a higher position in the Electrochemical

Series? (1 mark)

(e) Suggest TWO factors that should be considered when choosing a substance to
prepare the salt bridge. (2 marks)

##
(a) From cadmium to nickel 1
(b) Cadmium 1
(c) The green colour of the solution becomes paler. 1
Ni2+(aq) + 2e  Ni(s) 1
(d) Cadmium 1
(e) The substance should be soluble in water. 1
The substance should not react with the electrolytes. 1
(Accept other reasonable answers) ___
7
##

|!|CMELF0073100005|!| |!|CSELF0073100005|!|
A student used a magnesium-magnesium ion half cell and a silver-silver ion half cell
to set up a chemical cell.

(a) Draw a labelled diagram of the chemical cell. Show the direction of electron
flow in the diagram. (3 marks)

(b) (i) Identify the oxidizing agent of the cell. (1 mark)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(ii) Write the half equation for the reaction of the oxidizing agent. (1 mark)

(c) State and explain ONE observable change at the anode of the cell. (2 marks)

(d) What will happen to the voltage of the cell if the silver electrode is replaced by a
lead electrode? Explain your answer. (2 marks)

##
(a)

salt bridge electron flow

Mg Ag

Mg(NO3)2(aq) AgNO3(aq)

Correct drawing 1
Correct labels 1
Correct direction of electron flow 1
(b) (i) Silver ion 1
(ii) Ag+(aq) + e  Ag(s) 1
(c) Magnesium electrode dissolves. 1
Magnesium undergoes oxidation to form magnesium ions. 1
(d) The voltage drops to zero. 1
Lead displaces silver from silver nitrate solution. No electron flows in the
external circuit. 1
___
9
##

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

|!|CMELF0073100006|!| |!|CSELF0073100006|!|
A simple chemical cell is shown below.

salt bridge
magnesium electrode graphite electrode

magnesium sulphate dilute hydrochloric

solution acid

(a) With the aid of a half equation, state what would be observed at the magnesium
electrode. (2 marks)

(b) At the graphite electrode, bubbles appear.

(i) Suggest a chemical test to identify the gas. (2 marks)

(ii) Write a half equation for the reaction at the graphite electrode. (1 mark)

(c) Explain whether the cell could produce electricity if the electrolytes in the half
cells are mixed in the same container. (2 marks)

##
(a) The magnesium electrode gradually dissolves. 1
Mg(s)  Mg2+(aq) + 2e 1
(b) (i) Test the gas with a burning splint. 1
The gas burns with a ‘pop’ sound. 1
(ii) 2H+(aq) + 2e  H2(g) 1
(c) If the electrolytes are mixed, redox reaction will proceed directly in the
solution. 1
Electron will not flow in the external circuit. 1
___

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

7
##

Section 31.3
|!|CMELH0073100007|!| |!|CSELH0073100007|!|
Mercury cell is a type of button cell. The following diagram shows the simplified
structure of a mercury cell. The electrolyte is a paste containing potassium hydroxide,
zinc hydroxide and mercury(II) oxide.
steel
zinc
electrolyte

(a) Explain why mercury cell is considered as a dry cell. (1 mark)

(b) In the anode, zinc reacts with hydroxide ions to give zinc oxide. Write a half
equation for the reaction involved. (1 mark)

(c) In the cathode, mercury(II) oxide is reduced to mercury. Write a half equation for
the reaction involved. (1 mark)

(d) Silver oxide cell is another type of button cell. When the cell operates, silver
oxide changes to silver.
(i) State the role of silver oxide in a silver oxide cell. (1 mark)

(ii) Suggest ONE advantage and ONE disadvantage of silver oxide cell over
mercury cell. (2 marks)

##
(a) The electrolyte in a mercury cell is a paste rather than a liquid. 1
(b) Zn(s) + 2OH(aq)  ZnO(s) + H2O(l) + 2e 1

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(c) HgO(s) + H2O(l) + 2e  Hg(l) + 2OH(aq) 1

(d) (i) It is an oxidizing agent. 1
(ii) Advantage: the mercury content in silver oxide cells is much lower
than that in mercury cell. 1
Disadvantage: silver oxide cells are more expensive as silver and its
compounds are expensive. 1
(Accept other reasonable answers) ___
6
##

|!|CMELH0073100008|!| |!|CSELH0073100008|!|
Lead-acid accumulators are secondary cells. The electrolyte of the cell is sulphuric
acid. The overall reaction occurring in a lead-acid accumulator is shown below:
Pb(s) + PbO2(s) + 4H+(aq) + 2SO42(aq)  2PbSO4(s) + 2H2O(l)
(a) Write a half equation for the reaction at the anode. (1 mark)

(b) Identify the oxidizing agent in the reaction. Explain your answer. (2 marks)

(c) From the following hazard warning labels, circle TWO labels that should be
displayed on the lead-acid accumulator. (2 marks)

(d) State ONE advantage and ONE disadvantage of using lead-acid accumulator as
the power source of vehicles. (2 marks)

##
(a) Pb(s)  Pb2+(aq) + 2e / Pb(s) + SO42(aq)  PbSO4(s) + 2e 1
(b) PbO2 is the oxidizing agent. 1
The oxidization number of lead decreases from +4 (in PbO 2) to +2 (in

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

PbSO4). 1
(c)

(Sulphuric acid is corrosive.) 1

(Lead and its compounds are toxic.) 1

(d) Advantage: It is rechargeable / it does not produce greenhouse gases or
acidic gases when it operates. 1
Disadvantage: Lead is a heavy metal which causes environmental
problems / it is expensive. 1
(Accept other reasonable answers) ___
7
##

|!|CMELA0073100009|!| |!|CSELA0073100009|!|
In recent years, scientists discovered bacteria can generate electricity. The following
diagram shows a simplified structure of the cell. Bacteria grow on the surface of the
graphite electrode and oxidize ethanoate ions to carbon dioxide.

graphite electrode X porous disc graphite electrode Y

solution containing solution containing oxygen

ethanoate ions and hydrogen ions

(a) (i) Write a half equation for the reaction at electrode X. (1 mark)

(ii) State ONE observable change around electrode X. (1 mark)

(b) Write a half equation for the reaction at electrode Y. (1 mark)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(c) Suggest the function of the porous disc in the cell. (1 mark)

(d) Suggest ONE advantage of using this method to generate electricity. (1 mark)

##
(a) (i) CH3COO + 2H2O  2CO2 + 7H+ + 8e 1
(ii) Colourless gas bubbles evolve. 1
(b) O2 + 4H+ + 4e  2H2O 1
(c) It completes the circuit by allowing ions to move from one compartment
into the other. 1
(d) Bacteria are a renewable resource. (Accept other reasonable answers) 1
___
5
##

Section 31.4
|!|CMELF0073100010|!| |!|CSELF0073100010|!|
The following diagram shows the longitudinal section of a new zinc-carbon cell.

zinc case graphite rod

manganese(IV) oxide and ammonium chloride paste
powdered graphite

(a) Identify the negative electrode of the cell. (1 mark)

(b) Write the half equation for the reaction at the negative electrode. (1 mark)

(c) What is the function of the ammonium chloride paste? (1 mark)

(d) The formation of hydrogen around the graphite rod is undesirable in the zinc-
carbon cell.
(i) State the effect of hydrogen on the zinc-carbon cell. (2 marks)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(ii) With the aid of an equation, describe how hydrogen is removed. (2 marks)

##
(a) Zinc case 1
(b) Zn(s)  Zn2+(aq) + 2e 1
(c) It is an electrolyte in the cell. 1
(d) (i) The hydrogen gas bubbles would stick to the graphite rod. 1
This forms an insulating layer, resulting in a drop in voltage. 1
(ii) Hydrogen is oxidized by manganese(IV) oxide to give water. 1
2MnO2(s) + H2(g)  Mn2O3(s) + H2O(l) 1
___
7
##

|!|CMELF0073100011|!| |!|CSELF0073100011|!|
The picture below shows a zinc-carbon cell.

(a) State the meaning of the shelf life of a cell. (1 mark)

(b) (i) Write the chemical formula of the electrolyte in a zinc-carbon cell. (1 mark)

(ii) Explain why the electrolyte inside the cell may leak when the cell is in used.
(1 mark)

(iii) Suggest how to prevent the leakage of electrolyte in the cell. (1 mark)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(c) Suggest ONE use of zinc-carbon cells. (1 mark)

##
(a) Shelf life refers to the duration of storage (at 21C), at the end of which a
cell retains only 90% capacity. 1
(b) (i) NH4Cl 1
(ii) When the cell is used, zinc dissolves gradually. The zinc cup
becomes thinner and thinner and so the electrolyte may leak. 1
(iii) A metal or plastic casing is added around the zinc cup of the cell. 1
(c) To power torches / portable radios / clocks / remote controls (accept other
reasonable answers) 1
___
5
##

|!|CMELF0073100012|!| |!|CSELF0073100012|!|
Zinc-carbon cells are widely used in daily life. When the cell discharges, hydrogen
gas forms inside the cell.

(a) Sketch the discharge curve of a zinc-carbon cell. (1 mark)

(b) Write an overall equation for the reaction in the zinc-carbon cell. (1 mark)

(c) Describe how hydrogen gas is removed inside the cell. Write a chemical equation
to illustrate your answer. (2 marks)

(d) Explain why zinc-carbon cells perform poorly in high-drained devices. (2 marks)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(e) Explain why zinc-carbon cells can no longer function after they have been used
for a period of time. (1 mark)

##
(a)
1
Voltage

Time of discharge
(b) Zn(s) + 2MnO2(s) + 2NH4+(aq)  Zn2+(aq) + Mn2O3(s) + 2NH3(aq) + H2O(l) 1
(c) Hydrogen is oxidized by manganese(IV) oxide. 1
2MnO2(s) + H2(g)  Mn2O3(s) + H2O(l) 1
(d) If the cell is discharged rapidly, a large amount of hydrogen will be
produced within a short time. 1
Hydrogen gas bubbles would stick to the graphite rod and form an
insulating layer. As a result, the voltage of the cell drops. 1
(e) After a zinc-carbon cell has been used for a period of time, all ammonium
ions will be used up. The reaction at the cathode would stop. 1
___
7
##

|!|CMELH0073100013|!| |!|CSELH0073100013|!|
The following diagram shows the structure of a zinc-carbon cell.

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

zinc case
graphite rod

A B

(a) Name TWO substances that can be found in A. (2 marks)

(b) What is the function of B? (1 mark)

(c) It is known that B is acidic. It attacks the zinc case slowly even the cell is not
used. Write an ionic equation for this reaction. (1 mark)

(d) A student suggests replacing the zinc case with a magnesium case. Suggest ONE
advantage and ONE disadvantage of this modification. (2 marks)

##
(a) Manganese(IV) oxide 1
Powdered graphite 1
(b) It provides ammonium ions for the cell reaction to occur / it provides ions
to complete the circuit. 1
(c) Zn(s) + 2H+(aq)  Zn2+(aq) + H2(g) 1
(d) Advantage: The voltage of the cell increases as magnesium loses
electrons more readily than zinc. 1
Disadvantage: Magnesium reacts with the electrolyte more readily than
zinc. The shelf life of the cell is shorter. 1
___
6
##

|!|CMELF0073100014|!| |!|CSELF0073100014|!|
The following diagram shows the structure of a zinc-carbon cell.

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

rod A
paste containing an
electrolyte and an
metal B
oxidizing agent

(a) Mark the positive and negative terminals of the cell using ‘+’ and ‘’ in the above
diagram. (1 mark)

(b) Name the material used for making rod A. (1 mark)

(c) (i) Name the oxidizing agent in the paste. (1 mark)

(ii) Write an equation for the reaction of the oxidizing agent when the cell
discharges. (1 mark)

(d) The electrolyte in the cell leaks after it has been used.
(i) With the aid of an equation, explain why the electrolyte leaks. (2 marks)

(ii) A student proposed that the substances leaked from the cell contain
ammonium ions. Suggest a chemical test for his proposal. (2 marks)

##
(a)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

1
+

rod A
paste containing an
electrolyte and an
metal B
oxidizing agent

(b) Graphite / carbon 1

(c) (i) Manganese(IV) oxide 1
(ii) 2MnO2(s) + H2(g)  Mn2O3(s) + H2O(l) 1
(d) (i) Zinc is oxidized to zinc ion. The metal case becomes thinner and
thinner and the electrolyte leaks at last. 1
Zn(s)  Zn2+(aq) + 2e 1
(ii) Warm the substance with sodium hydroxide solution. 1
If any gas evolved turns moist red litmus paper blue, the substance
contains ammonium ions. 1
___
8
##

Section 31.5
|!|CMELF0073100015|!| |!|CSELF0073100015|!|
The diagram below shows the structure of a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell.

hydrogen oxygen

unreacted hydrogen unreacted oxygen

and steam
concentrated potassium hydroxide solution

(a) Write half equations for the reactions at the anode and the cathode respectively.
(2 marks)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(b) Concentrated potassium hydroxide solution is used in the fuel cell.

(i) What is the function of potassium hydroxide solution? (1 mark)

(ii) Suggest ONE hazard warning label that should be displayed on the fuel cell.
(1 mark)

(c) Would you expect fuel cells to be widely used in powering domestic electrical
appliances? Explain your answer. (1 mark)

##
(a) At anode: H2(g) + 2OH(aq)  2H2O(l) + 2e 1
At cathode: O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e  4OH(aq) 1
(b) (i) Used as electrolyte to provide mobile ions to complete the circuit. 1
(ii) Corrosive / explosive 1
(c) Any ONE:
- Fuel cells can be widely used in powering domestic appliances because
they produce a steady supply of electricity. 1
- Fuel cells are not widely used in powering domestic appliances because it
is not easy to store hydrogen and oxygen / they are expensive. (1)
(Accept other reasonable answers) ___
5
##

|!|CMELF0073100016|!| |!|CSELF0073100016|!|
The following diagram shows a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell.

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

cathode anode

O2 outlet H2 and H2O

outlet

H2 inlet O2 inlet
alkaline electrolyte

(a) Point out TWO mistakes in the diagram and correct them. (4 marks)

(b) Suggest a metal for making the electrodes of the fuel cell. (1 mark)

(c) A student stated that, to reduce air pollution in Hong Kong, we should use more
hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell cars. Comment on his statement. (2 marks)

##
(a) There is no need to connect the circuit to a power supply. 1
The power supply should be replaced by a voltmeter. 1
The positions for feeding in hydrogen and oxygen are incorrect. 1
Hydrogen should be fed into the anode compartment and oxygen should
be fed into the cathode compartment. 1
(b) Nickel 1
(c) His statement is correct. The only waste product of a hydrogen-oxygen
fuel cell is water. 1
It does not emit any greenhouse gases like CO2 and acidic gases like SO2. 1
___
7

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

##

|!|CMELF0073100017|!| |!|CSELF0073100017|!|
The diagram below shows the hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell.

hydrogen oxygen
porous anode (nickel) porous cathode (nickel
coated with nickel oxide)

unreacted hydrogen unreacted oxygen

and steam
concentrated potassium hydroxide solution

(a) (i) Which electrode is the anode? Explain you answer briefly. (2 marks)

(ii) Write the half equation for the reaction taking place at the anode. (1 mark)

(b) Write the half equation for the reaction taking place at the cathode. (1 mark)

(c) The two electrodes are made of porous nickel electrodes. What are the functions
of the porous nickel electrodes? (2 marks)

(d) Suggest an application of the fuel cells. (1 mark)

##
(a) (i) The electrode with hydrogen is the anode. 1
It undergoes oxidation and gives out electrons. 1
(ii) H2(g) + 2OH(aq)  2H2O(l) + 2e 1
(b) O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e  4OH(aq) 1

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(c) The nickel electrodes allow the flow of hydrogen, oxygen and steam into
and out of the compartments. 1
They also act as a catalyst for the reactions. 1
(d) To provide electricity for electric vehicles / as backup power sources / as
remote power sources in spacecraft 1
___
7
##

|!|CMELF0073100018|!| |!|CSELF0073100018|!|
Zinc-carbon cells and hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells are both primary cells.

(a) With the aid of chemical equations, state ONE similarity between these two cells.
(3 marks)

(b) State ONE application for each cell. (2 marks)

(c) A student states that zinc-carbon cells work at acidic medium while hydrogen-
oxygen fuel cells work at alkaline medium. Comment on his statement.
(2 marks)

##
(a) Both cells generate water as the product in the cell reactions. 1
For zinc-carbon cells: Zn(s) + 2MnO 2(s) + 2NH4+(aq)  Zn2+(aq) +
Mn2O3(s) + 2NH3(aq) + H2O(l) 1
For hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells: 2H2(g) + O2(g)  2H2O(l) 1
(b) Zinc-carbon cells: to power torches / portable radios / clocks / remote

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

controls 1
Hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells: to provide electricity for electric vehicles /
as backup power sources / as remote power sources in spacecraft. 1
(c) His statement is correct. The electrolyte of a zinc-carbon cell is an acidic
moist paste of ammonium chloride 1
while the electrolyte of a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell is concentrated
potassium hydroxide solution which is alkaline. 1
___
7
##

|!|CMELH0073100019|!| |!|CSELH0073100019|!|
Direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC) is one type of fuel cells. The liquid ethanol and water
react at the anode, producing carbon dioxide and hydrogen ions. Hydrogen ions travel
through the electrolyte to the cathode where they react with oxygen to produce water.

(a) Write the half equations for the reactions at the anode and the cathode
respectively. (2 marks)

(b) Write an equation for the overall reaction in the fuel cell. (1 mark)

(c) State ONE advantage of using ethanol over hydrogen as fuel in the fuel cell.
(1 mark)

(d) Explain why ethanol is regarded as a renewable energy source. (1 mark)

##
(a) Anode: C2H5OH + 3H2O  2CO2 + 12H+ + 12e 1
Cathode: 4H+ + O2 + 4e  2H2O 1
(b) C2H5OH + 3O2  2CO2 + 3H2O 1
(c) Ethanol is a liquid which is easier to handle than gaseous hydrogen /
ethanol poses a lower risk of explosion than hydrogen. 1

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

(d) Ethanol can be produced from fermentation of renewable resources such

as sugar cane. 1
___
5
##

|!|CMELA0073100020|!| |!|CSELA0073100020|!|
The diagram below shows the structure of a solid-oxide fuel cell:

+ 
A B

solid oxide

unreacted A unreacted B

platinum-containing porous electrode

The cell operates similarly to that of a typical hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell. However,
the electrolyte is a solid oxide. The following equations show the reactions occurred
at the electrodes:
(1) O2 + 4e  2O2
(2) H2 + O2  H2O + 2e

(a) What are A and B? Explain your answer in terms of oxidation number. (4 marks)

(b) Explain why the electrodes used are porous. (1 mark)

(c) Suggest ONE advantage of using this fuel cell. (1 mark)

(d) The solid-oxide fuel cell can be used in a reverse way when electricity is applied
to the cell. The following diagram shows an example of a reversed fuel cell in

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

which oxygen can be produced from carbon dioxide and water.

cathode anode

CO + H2 O2

CO2 + H2O air

solid oxide

Some people describe this kind of reversed fuel cell as an ‘artificial plant’. Do
you agree? Explain your answer. (1 mark)

##
(a) A is oxygen. 1
From equation (1), the oxidation number of oxygen decreases from 0 to
2. Thus, oxygen is reduced and this should occur at the cathode. 1
B is hydrogen. 1
From equation (2), the oxidation number of hydrogen increases from 0 to
+1. Thus, hydrogen is oxidized and this should occur at the anode. 1
(b) The porous electrodes provide a large surface area for cell reactions to
occur. 1
(c) It can produce a steady supply of electricity. / It has a high efficiency of
energy conversion. / The only product of the fuel cell (water) is non-
polluting. 1
(d) Any ONE:
- Agree. The cell can undergo a reaction similar to photosynthesis in which
carbon dioxide is absorbed and oxygen is produced. 1
- Disagree. Plants undergo photosynthesis using light energy while the cell
requires electrical energy / plants do not produce carbon monoxide or
hydrogen. (1)
(Accept other reasonable answers) ___
7
##

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

|!|CMELH0073100021|!| |!|CSELH0073100021|!|
Electric vehicles can be powered by fuel cells. Recently, scientists have developed
magnesium-sulphur rechargeable cell, which can be used to power electric vehicles.
In the cell, magnesium acts as the anode and sulphur acts at the cathode.

(a) Explain why magnesium is a suitable material for use in the cell. (1 mark)

(b) (i) State the direction of electron flow in the external circuit when the cell
discharges. (1 mark)

(ii) Write the half equations for the reactions of magnesium and sulphur
respectively when the cell discharges. (2 marks)

(c) Magnesium-sulphur cells are rechargeable. Suggest ONE advantage of these

cells over hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells in electric vehicles. (1 mark)

##
(a) Magnesium has a high abundance in nature / magnesium is a strong
reducing agent. 1
(b) (i) Electrons flow from magnesium to sulphur. 1
(ii) At magnesium electrode: Mg(s)  Mg2+(s) + 2e 1
At sulphur electrode: S(s)  S2(s) + 2e 1
(c) Magnesium-sulphur cells can be reused while hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells
require a continuous supply of oxygen and hydrogen. / Hydrogen-oxygen
fuel cells involve using explosive hydrogen while magnesium-sulphur
cells do not. 1
___
5
##

|!|CMELH0073100022|!| |!|CSELH0073100022|!|
Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC) operates at a high temperature. The electrolyte

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

of the cell is a molten carbonate salt. When the cell operates, hydrogen reacts with
carbonate ions to give carbon dioxide and water vapour at one electrode, while
oxygen reacts with carbon dioxide to give carbonate ions at another electrode.

(a) Why does the cell need to be operated at a high temperature? (1 mark)

(b) Write a half equation for the reaction occurred at the anode. (1 mark)

(c) Write a half equation for the reaction occurred at the cathode. (1 mark)

(d) State ONE advantage and ONE disadvantage of using the MCFC. (2 marks)

##
(a) Carbonate salt needs to be molten so as to provide mobile ions for
conducing electricity. 1
(b) CO32 + H2  H2O + CO2 + 2e 1
(c) 2CO2 + O2 + 4e  2CO32 1
(d) Advantage: Overall reaction produces non-polluting water only. 1
Disadvantage: It is expensive to operate the cell as a high temperature is
required. 1
___
5
##

|!|CMELH0073100023|!| |!|CSELH0073100023|!|
Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC) is a fuel cell that has been applied in power
generators. It operates similarly to that of a typical hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell. The
following diagram shows the simplified structure of a PAFC.

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

carbon electrodes with H2O(l)

platinum catalyst
H3PO4(aq)

H2(g) O2(g)

(a) Suggest a hazard warning label that should be displayed on the hydrogen vessel.
(1 mark)

(b) Suggest ONE source of oxygen in PAFC. (1 mark)

(c) The overall equation for the reaction in PAFC is shown below.
2H2(g) + O2(g)  2H2O(l)
Based on the above equation, write the half equations for the reactions at the
anode and the cathode respectively. (2 marks)

(d) On the above diagram, indicate the direction of electron flow in the external
circuit. (1 mark)

(e) Suggest why PAFC is NOT widely used in daily life. (1 mark)

##
(a) Explosive 1
(b) Fractional distillation of liquid air 1
(c) Anode: H2(g)  2H+(aq) + 2e 1
Cathode: O2(g) + 4H+(aq) + 4e  2H2O(l) 1
(d)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

1
electron flow

carbon electrodes with H2O(l)

platinum catalyst
H3PO4(aq)

H2(g) O2(g)

(e) The platinum catalyst is expensive. (Accept other reasonable answers) 1

___
6
##

|!|CMELH0073100024|!| |!|CSELH0073100024|!|
Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells are also known as proton exchange
membrane fuel cells. They are commonly used as backup power and portable power.
In these fuel cells, hydrogen is fed into the anode and oxygen is fed into the cathode.
At the anode, a stream of hydrogen is split into protons and electrons. The electrolyte
of the fuel cell is a solid organic polymer membrane which conducts protons from the
anode to the cathode. At the cathode, the protons react with oxygen to form water.

(a) State ONE difference between a PEM fuel cell and a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell.
(2 marks)

(b) Write half equations for the reactions at the anode and the cathode of the PEM
fuel cell respectively. (2 marks)

(c) Hence, write an overall equation for the reaction in the PEM fuel cell. (1 mark)

(d) State and explain whether a fuel cell is a primary or secondary cell. (2 marks)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

##
(a) The electrolyte of a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell is concentrated potassium
hydroxide solution 1
while that of a PEM fuel cell is a solid organic polymer membrane. 1
(b) Anode: H2(g)  2H+(PEM) + 2e 1
Cathode: 4H+(aq) + O2(g) + 4e  2H2O(l) 1
(c) 2H2(g) + O2(g)  2H2O(l) 1
(d) A fuel cell is a primary cell 1
because it cannot be recharged. 1
___
7
##

|!|CMELH0073100025|!| |!|CSELH0073100025|!|
Besides hydrogen, propane can also be used as fuel in fuel cell. Propane and water
react at the anode to give carbon dioxide while oxygen and hydrogen ion react at the
cathode to give water.

(a) Write the structural formula of propane. (1 mark)

(b) Write the half equations for the reactions at the anode and the cathode
respectively. (2 marks)

(c) Propane can also give out energy by combustion.

(i) Write a chemical equation for the complete combustion of propane. (1 mark)

(ii) Compared with the propane-oxygen fuel cell, state ONE disadvantage for
propane to produce energy by combustion. (1 mark)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31

 HKDSE CHEMISTRY — A Modern View (Second Edition)
Part VII Redox reactions, chemical cells and electrolysis

##
(a)

1
(b) Anode: C3H8(g) + 6H2O(l)  3CO2(g) + 20H+(aq) + 20e 1
Cathode: O2(g) + 4H+(aq) + 4e  2H2O(l) 1
(c) (i) C3H8(g) + 5O2(g)  3CO2(g) + 4H2O(l) 1
(ii) There is a greater energy loss to the surroundings during the
combustion of propane. 1
___
5
##

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd 2015 Chapter 31