Topic 5 Redox Reactions, Chemical Cells and Electrolysis Mastering Chemistry Suggested

Answer

Suggested answers to in-text activities and unit-end exercises

Topic 5 Unit 21

Practice
P21.1 (page 112)
1 a) Fe2+(aq) Fe3+(aq) + e-

b) The colour of the mixture of KBr(aq) and Br2(aq) fades. The yellow-brown bromine
changes to colourless bromide ions.
Br(aq) + 2e– Br–(aq)

c) Electrode X is the anode.

Oxidation occurs at electrode X.

2 a) Ag2O is the oxidising agent in the cell.

The oxidation number of Ag decreases from +1 to 0.

b) 2, 2

P21.2(page 117)
a) i) Electrode X is the anode.
Hydrogen reacts with hydroxide ions to form water at electrode X. Oxidation occurs here.
ii) H2(g) + 2OH–(aq) 2H2O(l) + 2e–

b) O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e– 4OH–(aq)

c) Burning of fossil fuels associated with fuel cell production / manufacture of raw materials
causes pollution. Fuel cells contain poisonous catalyst (which needs to be disposed of).

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Topic 5 Redox Reactions, Chemical Cells and Electrolysis Mastering Chemistry Suggested
Answer

Science and Technology for life (page 113)

Redox reactions in a zinc-cabon cell
1 Carbon rod is the cathode.
The paste of ammonium chloride reacts according to the following half equation:
2NH4+(aq) + 2e– 2NH3(aq) + H2(g)
Ammonium chloride undergoes reduction as it gains electrons. Reduction occurs at the carbon
rod. Hence it is the cathode.

2 Zinc is the reducing agent.

The oxidation number of zinc increases from 0 to +2.

3 The zinc case reacts and becomes thinner when a zinc-carbon cell is being used. The paste may
leak out when the zinc case becomes too thin.

Discussion (page 116)

Students may comment from the following aspects:
• Source of fuel
Agree: The hydrogen gas can be obtained from renewable source (e.g. from electrolysis of
water using renewable energy sources).
Disagree: The hydrogen gas is produced from fossil fuel such as steam reforming of natural
gas. / Electricity generated by burning fossil fuels is consumed in the production of
hydrogen from water.
• The car emissions
Only water is produced from the hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells. / There is NO carbon dioxide or
sulphur dioxide or nitrogen oxides or carbon monoxide or unburnt hydrocarbons in the
exhaust.

Decision Making (page 118)

Hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell vehicles

Unlike conventional vehicles which run on gasoline or diesel, fuel cell cars and trucks combine
hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, which runs a motor.

Advantages of fuel cell vehicles

․ Less greenhouse gas emissions

Gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles emit greenhouse gases, mostly carbon dioxide. Fuel cell
vehicles emit no tailpipe greenhouse gases, only heat and water.

Producing the hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles can generate greenhouse gases, depending on the
production method. Still, it generates much less greenhouse gases than conventional gasoline
and diesel vehicles.

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Topic 5 Redox Reactions, Chemical Cells and Electrolysis Mastering Chemistry Suggested
Answer

․ Reduced oil dependence

․ Less air pollutants

Fuel cell vehicles powered by pure hydrogen emit no harmful pollutants. Producing hydrogen
from fossil fuels causes some pollutants, but much less than the amount generated by
conventional vehicles.

Disadvantages of fuel cell vehicles

․ Vehicle cost

Fuel cell vehicles are currently more expensive than conventional vehicles and hybrids.

․ Getting hydrogen to consumers

The current infrastructure for producing and getting hydrogen to consumers cannot yet support
the widespread adoption of fuel cell vehicles.

․ Fuel cell durability and reliability

Fuel cell systems are not yet as durable as internal combustion engines, especially in some
temperature and humidity ranges.

References:
․ How do hydrogen fuel cell vehicles work?
https://www.ucsusa.org/clean-vehicles/electric-vehicles/how-do-hydrogen-fuel-cells-work#.W
qvGPOhubIU
․ Benefits and Challenges
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/fcv_benefits.shtml
(assessed February 2019)

Ethanol fuel

The production process of ethanol starts by grinding up the crops or plants. After this, the ground up
substance is refined to get sugar, cellulose or starch. Sugar from plant material is converted into
ethanol and carbon dioxide by fermentation in the presence of yeast. Once the ethanol is distilled
and purified, it is ready for use.

Advantages of ethanol fuel

․ Cost effective compared to other biofuels

Ethanol fuel is the least expensive energy source since virtually every country has the
capability to produce it. Corn, sugar cane or grain grows in almost every country which makes
the production economical compared to fossil fuels.

․ Reducing carbon dioxide emission

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Topic 5 Redox Reactions, Chemical Cells and Electrolysis Mastering Chemistry Suggested
Answer

Carbon dioxide released when ethanol is burnt in vehicles is offset by the carbon dioxide
captured when crops used to make the ethanol are grown. As a result, vehicles running on
ethanol produce less net carbon dioxide than conventional vehicles.

․ Easily accessible

All tropical climates support the growth of sugarcane. Grain and corn grow in every country.

․ Minimise dependence on fossil fuels

․ Creation of employment to the country

․ Opening up untapped agricultural sector

The fact that ethanol fuel production relies mainly on agricultural produce, individuals will be
pushed into the untapped agricultural sector, and this will uplift the economy. The need for
increased production of corn and grains has set the farming industry booming.

Disadvantages of ethanol fuel

․ Requiring large piece of land

For ethanol to meet the growing demand, it must be produced in large scale. This requires vast
acres of land for crop production.

․ Distillation process is not good for environment

The distillation takes a long time and involves a lot of heat. The source of heat for distillation
is mostly fossil fuels, and the use of fossil fuels emits a lot of greenhouse gas.

․ Spike in food prices

The chief ingredient in making ethanol is corn. If the demand for ethanol fuel skyrockets, the
price of corn would also shoot up, and that would affect the cost of ethanol production. Other
users of corn other than for fuel will also suffer, for example, those using corn as an animal
feed. Also, the lucrative prices of ethanol fuel could trigger most farmers to abandon food
crops for ethanol production, which might also lead to an increase in food prices.

․ Water attraction

Pure ethanol has high affinity for water, and it is able to absorb any trace around it or from the
atmosphere. When water finds way into a fuel tank, it goes to the bottom of the tank as water is
denser than ethanol. This will lead to engine problems for vehicles.

․ Difficult to vaporise

Pure ethanol is hard to vaporise. This makes starting a car in cold conditions almost difficult,
which is why a number of vehicle owners make a point to retain a little petrol, for instance,
E85 cars that use 15% petrol and 85% ethanol.
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Topic 5 Redox Reactions, Chemical Cells and Electrolysis Mastering Chemistry Suggested
Answer

References:
․ What is ethanol fuel?
https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/ethanol-fuel.php
․ Ethanol vehicle emissions
https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/flexible_fuel_emissions.html
(assessed February 2019)

Electric vehicle

An electric vehicle gets the power from rechargeable batteries installed inside the car. These
batteries are not only used to power the car but also used for the functioning of lights and wipers.
Electric vehicles have more batteries than normal gasoline car.

The current two major battery technologies used in electric vehicles are nickel metal hydride
(NiMH) and lithium ion. Nearly all hydride electric vehicles available in the market today use
NiMH batteries because of its mature technology. Due to the potential of obtaining higher energy
density, the adoption of lithium ion batteries is expected to grow fast in electric vehicles.

Advantages of an electric vehicle

․ No gasoline required

․ Savings

These vehicles can be fuelled for very cheap prices.

․ No emissions

Electric vehicles do not emit toxic gases or smoke in the environment.

․ Popularity

Electric vehicles are growing in popularity. With popularity comes all new types of cars being
put on the market that are each unique, providing consumers with a wealth of choices moving
forward.

․ Safe to drive

Electric vehicles undergo same fitness and testing procedures test as other fuel powered cars.
In case an accident occurs, one can expect airbags to open up and electricity supply to cut from
battery. This can prevent the driver and other passengers in the car from serious injuries.

․ Cost effective

With more technological advancements, both cost and maintenance have gone down. The mass
production of batteries and available tax incentives have further brought down the cost, thus,
making it much more cost effective.

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Topic 5 Redox Reactions, Chemical Cells and Electrolysis Mastering Chemistry Suggested
Answer

․ Low maintenance

Electric vehicles run on electrically powered engines and hence there is no need to lubricate
the engines. You do not need to send it to service station often as you do a normal gasoline
powered car.

․ Reduced noise pollution

Electric cars are much quieter. Electric motors are capable of providing smooth drive with
higher acceleration over longer distances.

Disadvantages of an electric vehicle

․ Recharge points

Electric fuelling stations are still in the development stages. Not a lot of places people go to on
a daily basis will have electric fuelling stations for their vehicles.

․ Electricity is not free

․ Short driving range and speed

Electric vehicles are limited by range and speed. Most of these cars have range about 50-100
miles and need to be recharged again. People just cannot use them for long journeys as of now,
although it is expected to improve in future.

․ Longer recharge time

While it takes couple of minutes to fuel a gasoline powered car, an electric vehicle takes about
4-6 hours to get fully charged.

․ Silence as a disadvantage

Silence can be a bit disadvantage as people like to hear noise if they are coming from behind
them. An electric vehicle is however silent and can lead to accidents in some cases.

․ Battery replacement

Depending on the type and usage of battery, batteries of almost all electric vehicles are
required to be changed every 3-10 years.

․ Not suitable for cities facing shortage of power

References:

․ What is an electric car?

https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-electric-cars.php
․ Electric vehicle battery technologies – Springer
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4614-7711-2_5

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Topic 5 Redox Reactions, Chemical Cells and Electrolysis Mastering Chemistry Suggested
Answer

(assessed February 2019)

Hybrid electric vehicles

Basically, a hybrid car is one that uses two or more engines i.e. an electric engine and a
conventional engine (either petrol or diesel). The electric engine powers the car at lower speeds and
petrol engine powers it at higher speeds.

Advantages of a hybrid car

․ Environmentally friendly

One of the biggest advantages of hybrid car over gasoline powered car is that it runs cleaner
and has better gas mileage which makes it environmentally friendly. A hybrid vehicle runs on
twin powered engine that cuts fuel consumption and conserves energy.

․ Financial benefits

Hybrid cars are supported by many credits and incentives that help to make them affordable.

․ Less dependence on fossil fuels

A hybrid car is much cleaner and requires less fuel to run which means less dependence on
fossil fuels.

․ Regenerative braking system

Each time you apply brake while driving a hybrid vehicle helps you to recharge your battery a
little. An internal mechanism kicks in that captures the energy released and uses it to charge the
battery which in turn eliminates the amount of time and need for stopping to recharge the
battery periodically.

․ Built from light materials

Hybrid vehicles are made up of lighter materials which means less energy is required to run.
The engine is also smaller and lighter which also saves much energy.

․ Higher resale value

With continuous increase in price of gasoline, more and more people are turning towards
hybrid cars. The result is that these green vehicles have started commanding higher than
average resale values.

Disadvantages of a hybrid car

․ Less power

A hybrid car has twin powered engine. The gasoline engine which is primary source of power
is much smaller as compared to what you get in single engine powered car and the electric
©2019 Jing Kung Educational Press  All Rights Reserved
Topic 5 Redox Reactions, Chemical Cells and Electrolysis Mastering Chemistry Suggested
Answer

engine is low power. The combined power of both is often less than that of gasoline-powered
engine. It is therefore suited for city driving and not for speed and acceleration.

․ Can be expensive

Hybrid cars are comparatively expensive than a regular petrol car. However, that extra amount
can be offset with lower running cost and tax exemptions.

․ Poorer handling

A hybrid car houses a gasoline powered engine, a lighter electric engine and a pack of
powerful batteries. This adds weight and eats up the extra space in the car. Extra weight results
in fuel inefficiency and manufacturers cut down weight which has resulted in electric engine
and battery downsizing and less support in the suspension and body.

․ Higher maintenance costs

The presence of dual engine, continuous improvement in technology, and higher maintenance
cost can make it difficult for mechanics to repair the car. It is also difficult to find a mechanic
with such an expertise.

․ Presence of high voltage in batteries

In case of an accident, the high voltage present inside the batteries can prove lethal for you.
There is a high chance of you getting electrocuted in such cases which can also make the task
difficult for rescuers to get other passengers and driver out of the car.

References:
․ How do hybrid cars and trucks work?
https://www.ucsusa.org/clean-vehicles/electric-vehicles/how-do-hybrids-work#.WqvIDuhubIU
․ What is a hybrid car?
https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-hybrid-cars.php
․ How hybrid cars work
https://auto.howstuffworks.com/hybrid-car.htm
(assessed February 2019)

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Topic 5 Redox Reactions, Chemical Cells and Electrolysis Mastering Chemistry Suggested
Answer

Unit Exercise (page 121–129)

1 a) hydrogen
b) hydrogen
c) anode
d) negative
e) H2(g) + 2OH–(aq) 2H2O(l) + 2e–
f) oxygen
g) oxygen
h) cathode
i) positive
j) O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e– 4OH–(aq)

2 C The change that occurs at the electrode in acidified KMnO4(aq) is:

MnO4–(aq) + 8H+(aq) + 5e– Mn2+(aq) + 4H2O(l)
The change that occurs at the electrode in KI(aq) is:
2I–(aq) I2(aq) + 2e–
Oxidation occurs at the electrode in KI(aq). This is the anode. Electrons produced by the
oxidation process are transferred to the surface of the carbon electrode in acidified
KMnO4(aq). Thus, the anode is negatively charged.

3 B The change that occurs at electrode X is: Fe2+(aq) Fe3+(aq) + e–

The change that occurs at electrode Y is:
Cr2O72–(aq) + 14H+(aq) + 6e– 2Cr3+(aq) + 7H2O(l)
Electrons flow from FeSO4(aq) to K2Cr2O7(aq) in the external circuit.

4 D Option A — Electrode X is the cathode as reduction occurs here.

Option B — Zinc undergoes oxidation at electrode Y.
Option D — Electrons do NOT flow in the electrolyte.

5 B

6 D The change that occurs at electrode X is: Fe3+(aq) + e– Fe2+(aq)

The change that occurs at electrode Y is: 2I–(aq) I2(aq) + 2e–
Option A — Electrons flow from electrode Y to electrode X in the external circuit.
Option B — Reduction occurs at electrode X.
Option C — Oxidation occurs at electrode Y. Hence this is the anode.
Option D — I2(aq) gives a blue colour with starch.

7 C

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Topic 5 Redox Reactions, Chemical Cells and Electrolysis Mastering Chemistry Suggested
Answer

8 A Reduction occurs at the cathode in achemical cell. Zn2+(aq) to Zn(s) and Br2(l) to Br–(aq)
are reduction processes.

9 B The change that occurs at electrode X is:

MnO4–(aq) + 8H+(aq) + 5e– Mn2+(aq) + 4H2O(l)
The change that occurs at electrode Y is:
SO32–(aq) + H2O(l) SO42–(aq) + 2H+(aq) + 2e–
(1) Oxidation occurs at electrode Y. Hence this is the anode.
(2) The purple MnO4–(aq) ions in beaker X change to pale pink Mn2+(aq) ions gradually.
(3) Electrons flow through the external circuit, NOT the salt bridge.

10 A The S2O82–(aq) ion acts as the oxidising agent, accepting electrons via the external circuit.
S2O82–(aq) + 2e– 2SO42–(aq)
Electrons from I–(aq) ions flow via the external circuit to the beaker containing S2O82–(aq)
and 2SO42–(aq) ions.
2I–(aq) I2(aq) + 2e–

11 A The change that occurs at electrode X is: O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e– 4OH–(aq)
The change that occurs at electrode Y is: H2(g) + 2OH–(aq) 2H2O(l) + 2e–
(2) OH–(aq) ions move towards electrode Y.
(3) H2(g) functions as a fuel while O2(g) functions as an oxidant

12 Answers for the questions of the HKDSE are not provided.

13 a)
Reducing power increasing
lead Y X (1)

b) Metal X strip is the anode. Oxidation occurs here. (1)

c) Electrons flow from metal X strip to metal Y strip because the reducing power of X is
stronger than that of Y. (1)

14 a) The green colour of the mixture in beaker A becomes more intense. (1)
The yellow-brown colour of the mixture in beaker B becomes more intense. (1)
Beaker A: Cr2O72–(aq) + 14H+(aq) + 6e– 2Cr3+(aq) + 7H2O(l) (1)
Beaker B: Fe2+(aq) Fe3+(aq) + e– (1)

b) Electrode X is the cathode as reduction occurs here. (1)

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Topic 5 Redox Reactions, Chemical Cells and Electrolysis Mastering Chemistry Suggested
Answer

15 a) Br2(aq) + 2e– 2Br–(aq) (1)

SO32–(aq) + H2O(l) SO42–(aq) + 2H+(aq) + 2e– (1)

b) Electrode Y is the anode as oxidation occurs here. (1)

c) From electrode Y to electrode X (1)

16 a) An inert electrode that is used to carry the charge / current / electron flow. (1)

b) Beaker A: 2I–(aq) I2(aq) + 2e– (1)

Beaker B: S2O82–(aq) + 2e– 2SO42–(aq) (1)

c) Electrode Y is the cathode as reduction occurs here. (1)

17 a) Carbon / graphite (1)

b) MnO4–(aq) + 8H+(aq) + 5e– Mn2+(aq) + 4H2O(l) (1)

2+ 3+ –
Fe (aq) Fe (aq) + e (1)

c) From electrode Y to electrode X (1)

d) Electrode X is the cathode as reduction occurs here. (1)

100
e) Number of moles of MnO4 –(aq) ions reacted = (0.060 − 0.056) mol dm−3 x dm3
1 000

= 4.0 x 10–4 mol (1)

–
Number of moles of electrons gained by MnO4 (aq) ions
= 5 x 4.0 x 10–4 mol
= 0.0020 mol (1)
= number of moles of Fe2+(aq) ions reacted
100
(0.060 x − 0.0020) mol
1 000
Concentration of FeSO4(aq) at that time = 100
dm3
1 000

= 0.040 mol dm–3 (1)

 the concentration of FeSO4(aq) at that time is 0.040 mol dm–3.

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Topic 5 Redox Reactions, Chemical Cells and Electrolysis Mastering Chemistry Suggested
Answer

18 a) (i)

(ii) Anode: H2(g) + 2OH–(aq) 2H2O(l) + 2e– (1)

Cathode: O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e– 4OH–(aq) (1)

b) Electode Y is the anode as oxidation occurs here. (1)

19 a) H2(g) 2H+(aq) + 2e– (1)

b) Electode Y is the cathode as reduction occurs here. (1)

c) Any one of the following advantages:

• Less energy is lost as heat (1)
• Less noisy (1)
• More efficient energy conversion compared to a petrol engine (1)
• NO carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen,
sulphur dioxide and particulates produced (1)

Any one of the following disadvantages:

• Difficulty in accessing and storing hydrogen (1)
• Risk of leaking hydrogen that reacts explosively (1)
• More expensive (1)

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