 Section 1.

2: Principles of chemistry 2
Electrolysis – Answers

a) Molten ionic compounds and ionic compounds in solution should be circled. [2]

b) All have ions that are free to move. [1]

c) 1 mark for each part correctly labelled as shown:

[6]

d) [3]
Solution Ions in solution Product(s) at cathode Product(s) at anode
sodium chloride Na+, Cl−, H+, OH− hydrogen gas chlorine gas
sodium hydroxide solution
sulfuric acid H+, SO42− , OH− hydrogen gas oxygen gas
copper sulfate Cu2+, SO42− , H+, OH− copper metal oxygen gas

e) These ions come from the water molecules in the solution used to dissolve the
compound. [1]

Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) Chemistry © Hodder & Stoughton 2018 1

  Section 1.2: Principles of chemistry 2
Electrolysis – Answers
2

a) 2H + (aq) + 2e− → H2 (g) [1]

b) Cu2+ (aq) + 2e− → Cu(s) [1]

c) 4OH − (aq) → 2H2 O(l) + O2 (g) + 4e− [1]

a) Reduction is gaining electrons and electrons are gained by the positive ions at the
cathode. [1]

b) Oxidation is the loss of electrons and the negative ions lose electrons at the
anode. [1]

c) To prevent the electrodes reacting with the solution and causing a chemical
reaction. [1]

a) Pb2+ (aq) + 2e− → Pb(s) [1]

b) At the anode [1], chlorine gas will be made [1]; at the cathode [1], sodium metal will
be made [1]. [4]

Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) Chemistry © Hodder & Stoughton 2018 2