25-minute Test Part VII

25-minute Test

Part VII

Redox Reactions, Chemical Cells and Electrolysis

Name: ________________________ ( ) Class: ____________ Date: ________________

There are 20 multiple-choice questions in total.

Answer ALL questions. Marks: / 20
Time allowed: 25 minutes

1. Which of the following is a redox reaction?

A. 2FeSO4(aq) + 2H2SO4(l)  Fe2(SO4)3(aq) + SO2(g) + 2H2O(l)
B. Mg(NO3)2(aq) + 2NaOH(aq)  Mg(OH)2(s) + 2NaNO3(aq)
C. Na2Cr2O7(aq) + 2NaOH(aq)  2Na2CrO4(aq) + H2O(l)
D. CaCO3(s) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)  Ca(HCO3)2(aq)

2. Refer to the following set-up.

copper electrode magnesium electrode

copper(II) sulphate solution

It is found that the voltage of the cell drops rapidly when the cell has operated for some time.
This is because
A. many gas bubbles form on the surface of the copper electrode.
B. the concentration of the copper(II) sulphate solution decreases.
C. a layer of copper forms on the surface of the magnesium electrode.
D. an oxide layer forms on the surface of the magnesium electrode.

HKDSE NEW CHEMISTRY  A Modern View

© 2023 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 1
25-minute Test Part VII

3. Consider the half equation below:

SO42(aq) + xH+(aq) + ye  HS(aq) + zH2O(l)
Which of the following combinations about x, y and z is correct?
x y z
A. 3 2 1
B. 5 4 2
C. 7 6 3
D. 9 8 4

4. Consider the following set-up:

porous device

zinc strip copper container

zinc sulphate solution copper(II) sulphate solution

Which of the following statements concerning the set-up is/are correct?

(1) Zinc ions move into the copper(II) sulphate solution through the porous device.
(2) Gas bubbles form at the copper container.
(3) An electric current flows from the zinc strip to the copper container in the external circuit.
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

5. Which of the following solutions, upon mixed with an aqueous solution of sulphur dioxide
respectively, would produce a colour change?
(1) Br2(aq)
(2) Fe(NO3)3(aq)
(3) K2Cr2O7(aq)/H+(aq)
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

HKDSE NEW CHEMISTRY  A Modern View

© 2023 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 2
25-minute Test Part VII

6. Which of the following statements about 1.5 V zinc-carbon cells is correct?

A. They have a button shape.
B. They can work over a wide range of temperatures.
C. The negative electrode is zinc.
D. The electrolyte is potassium hydroxide.

7. Gas M is bubbled into solution N as shown in the diagram below.

gas M

solution N

Which of the following combinations about M and N will give an observable change?
M N
A. Sulphur dioxide Sodium hydroxide solution
B. Sulphur dioxide Sodium iodide solution
C. Oxygen Iron(II) sulphate solution
D. Oxygen Universal indicator

8. The following reduction half equations are extracted from the Electrochemical Series (E.C.S.).
X2(aq) + 2e  2X (aq)
Y 3+(aq) + e  Y 2+(aq)
Z2(aq) + 2e  2Z (aq)
(Note: these equations are arranged according to their order in the E.C.S.)
With reference to the above equations, which of the following reactions is/are feasible?
(1) 2Z (aq) + 2Y 3+(aq)  Z2(aq) + 2Y 2+(aq)
(2) Z2(aq) + 2X (aq)  X2(aq) + 2Z (aq)
(3) X2(aq) + 2Y 2+(aq)  2X (aq) + 2Y 3+(aq)
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

HKDSE NEW CHEMISTRY  A Modern View

© 2023 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 3
25-minute Test Part VII

9. The following diagram shows a set-up for electroplating copper metal onto an iron key.
battery

copper strip
iron key

copper(II) sulphate solution

Which of the following statements about this electroplating is/are correct?

(1) The colour intensity of the electrolytic solution remains unchanged during electroplating.
(2) The iron key is connected to the positive pole of the battery.
(3) Copper(II) nitrate solution can be used as the electrolyte in place of copper(II) sulphate
solution.
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

10. The diagram below shows a simple chemical cell connected to a voltmeter.

salt bridge
copper electrode P copper electrode Q

0.01 M CuSO4(aq) 1.00 M CuSO4(aq)

Which of the following statements concerning this cell is/are correct?

(1) Electrode Q is the anode.
(2) Oxidation occurs at electrode P.
(3) Electrode P becomes bigger and thicker gradually.
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

HKDSE NEW CHEMISTRY  A Modern View

© 2023 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 4
25-minute Test Part VII

11. The diagram below shows a set-up for the electrolysis of 1 M potassium sulphate (K2SO4)
solution. Both electrodes are made of graphite.

graphite electrode X graphite electrode Y

1 M K2SO4(aq)

Which of the following statements about this electrolysis are correct?

(1) The gas evolved at electrode X can relight a glowing splint.
(2) The volume ratio of gases evolved at electrode X to electrode Y is 2 : 1.
(3) The concentration of K2SO4(aq) increases gradually.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

12. The simplified diagram below shows a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell.

electrode X load electrode Y

oxygen hydrogen

unreacted oxygen unreacted hydrogen

and water
hot concentrated potassium
hydroxide solution
Which of the following statements concerning the fuel cell is INCORRECT?
A. Oxygen is used as the fuel.
B. Reduction occurs at electrode X.
C. The electrodes can be made of platinum.
D. Electrons flow from electrode Y to electrode X in the external circuit.

HKDSE NEW CHEMISTRY  A Modern View

© 2023 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 5
25-minute Test Part VII

13. The diagram below shows a simple chemical cell connected to a voltmeter. Electrodes U and V
are inert electrodes.

salt bridge
electrode U electrode V

acidified potassium potassium iodide

dichromate solution solution

Which of the following statements concerning the cell is correct?

A. Electrode U is the anode.
B. Electrons flow from electrode V to electrode U in the external circuit.
C. Filter paper strip soaked with AgNO3(aq) can be used as the salt bridge.
D. There is no observable change around electrode V after the cell has operated for some
time.

14. The following diagram shows a set-up for the electrolysis of concentrated sodium chloride
solution using mercury as one of the electrodes.

plastic-covered wire graphite

distilled water
concentrated sodium
chloride solution
bare platinum wire
mercury

What would happen during the electrolysis?

(1) Sodium amalgam forms.
(2) Chlorine gas evolves at the graphite electrode.
(3) The sodium chloride solution becomes more dilute.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

HKDSE NEW CHEMISTRY  A Modern View

© 2023 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 6
25-minute Test Part VII

15. Which of the following statements concerning concentrated nitric acid are correct?
(1) It reacts with carbon to give carbon dioxide.
(2) It reacts with silver to give brown fumes.
(3) It should be stored in brown reagent bottles.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

16. Consider the following set-up:

magnesium electrode salt bridge copper electrode

magnesium sulphate copper(II) sulphate

solution solution
Which of the following electrolytes CANNOT be used to make the salt bridge?
(1) CaCl2(aq)
(2) Zn(NO3)2(aq)
(3) NaOH(aq)
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

17. Lead-acid accumulators were commonly used as car batteries in the past. Which of the
following statements concerning lead-acid accumulators are correct?
(1) They can provide a very large current.
(2) They are rechargeable.
(3) They are light in weight.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

HKDSE NEW CHEMISTRY  A Modern View

© 2023 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 7
25-minute Test Part VII

18. Refer to the following electrolytic set-up.

graphite electrode graphite electrode

electrolytic solution

Which of the following solutions would give hydrogen and oxygen as the major products?
(1) Silver nitrate solution
(2) Very dilute sodium chloride solution
(3) Concentrated zinc sulphate solution
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only

19. Refer to the following set-up.

digital multimeter (as a voltmeter)

+1.10 V

Fe(s) Cu(s) Mg(s)

Cell I Cell II

Which of the following statements concerning this set-up are correct?

(1) The copper strip in Cell II is the cathode.
(2) Electrons flow from the iron strip to the magnesium strip in the external circuit.
(3) The voltage reading will increase if the position of the two metal strips is interchanged in
Cell I.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

HKDSE NEW CHEMISTRY  A Modern View

© 2023 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 8
25-minute Test Part VII

20. In which of the following equations does the underlined element exhibit the greatest change in
the oxidation number?
A. 8HNO3(aq) + 3Cu(s)  3Cu(NO3)2(aq) + 2NO(g) + 4H2O(l)
B. 2KMnO4(aq) + 10KI(aq) + 8H2SO4(aq)  6K2SO4(aq) + 2MnSO4(aq) + 5I2(aq) + 8H2O(l)
C. (NH4)2Cr2O7(s)  Cr2O3(s) + N2(g) + 4H2O(l)
D. Cl2O7(g) + 4H2O2(aq)  2HClO2(aq) + 3H2O(l) + 4O2(g)

HKDSE NEW CHEMISTRY  A Modern View

© 2023 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 9
25-minute Test Part VII

Suggested Answers
1. A
Concentrated sulphuric acid is an oxidizing agent. In the reaction, Fe2+(aq) is oxidized to
Fe3+(aq). H2SO4(l) is reduced to SO2(g).
2. C
When the cell operates, the magnesium can react directly with copper(II) sulphate solution, i.e.
displacement reaction occurs.
Mg(s) + Cu2+(aq)  Mg2+(aq) + Cu(s)
A layer of copper metal will form on the surface of the magnesium electrode, causing a rapid
decrease in the potential difference between the two electrodes. Thus, the voltage of the cell
drops in a short time.
3. D
Oxidation number of sulphur in SO42 = +6
Oxidation number of sulphur in HS = 2
Change in oxidation number of sulphur in this reaction = (2)  (+6) = 8
Sulphur has to gain 8 electrons.
∴y = 8

Then balance the ionic charge on the reactant side and the product side of the equation.
2 + x + (8) = (1) + 0 (Note: H2O is electrically neutral.)
∴x = 9

Finally, balance the number of H atoms on the reactant side and the product side of the equation.
9 = 1 + 2z
∴z = 4

4. A
(1): When the cell operates, the following oxidation occurs at the zinc strip:
Zn(s)  Zn2+(aq) + 2e
The formation of Zn2+(aq) ions creates excess positive charge in the ZnSO4(aq). The small holes
on the porous device allows Zn2+(aq) ions to move through the device and go into the
CuSO4(aq).
(2): When the cell operates, the following reduction occurs at the copper container.
Cu2+(aq) + 2e  Cu(s). Hence, no gas is produced.

HKDSE NEW CHEMISTRY  A Modern View

© 2023 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 10
25-minute Test Part VII

(3): Electrons flow from the zinc strip to the copper container in the external circuit, while an
electric current flows between these two electrodes in opposite directions in the external circuit.
5. D
(1): SO32(aq) + Br2(aq) + H2O(l)  SO42(aq) + 2Br(aq) + 2H+(aq)
Brown Br2(aq) changes to colourless.
(2): 3SO32(aq) + Cr2O72(aq) + 8H+(aq)  3SO42(aq) + 2Cr3+(aq) + 4H2O(l)
K2Cr2O7(aq)/H+(aq) changes from orange to green.
(3): SO32(aq) + 2Fe3+(aq) + H2O(l)  SO42(aq) + 2Fe2+(aq) + 2H+(aq)
Fe(NO3)3(aq) changes from yellowish brown to pale green.
6. C
1.5 V zinc-carbon cells are cylindrical in shape. They perform poorly at low temperatures. The
electrolyte of zinc-carbon cells is ammonium chloride.
7. C
Option (A): The reaction between sulphur dioxide and sodium hydroxide solution gives no
observable change: SO2(g) + 2NaOH(aq)  Na2SO3(aq) + H2O(l)
Option (B): There is no reaction between sulphur dioxide and sodium iodide solution as both of
them are reducing agents.
Option (C): O2(g), being an oxidizing agent, can oxidize Fe2+(aq) to Fe3+(aq).
4Fe2+(aq) + O2(g) + 2H2O(l)  4Fe3+(aq) + 4OH–(aq)
Iron(II) sulphate solution changes from pale green to yellowish brown.
8. B
(2): Z2(aq) is at a lower position than X2(aq) in the E.C.S. The oxidizing power of Z2(aq) is
stronger than that of X2(aq). Thus, Z2(aq) can oxidize X(aq) to X2(aq) and is itself reduced to
Z(aq) at the same time.
9. C
(2): The object to be plated is connected to the negative pole of the battery. The following
reduction occurs at the cathode (the iron key): Cu2+(aq) + 2e  Cu(s).
(3): As Cu(s) is a stronger reducing agent than both NO3(aq) and SO42(aq). It is preferentially
discharged (oxidized) at the anode to form Cu2+(aq).

HKDSE NEW CHEMISTRY  A Modern View

© 2023 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 11
25-minute Test Part VII

10. B
Since the concentration of CuSO4(aq) in the left half cell is lower than that in the right half cell,
the cell operates until the concentrations of CuSO4(aq) in the two half cells are equal. Electrons
flow from electrode P to electrode Q in the external circuit. At copper electrode P (the anode),
Cu(s)  Cu2+(aq) + 2e. At copper electrode Q (the cathode), Cu2+(aq) + 2e  Cu(s).
11. C
At electrode X (the cathode): 2H+(aq) + 2e  H2(g)
At electrode Y (the anode): 4OH(aq)  O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e
Overall reaction: 2H2O(l)  2H2(g) + O2(g)
(1): The gas evolved at electrode Y can relight a glowing splint.
(3): As the electrolysis proceeds, the amount of water molecules decreases and the amount of
K+(aq) and SO42(aq) ions remain unchanged. In other words, the concentration of K2SO4(aq)
gradually increases.
12. A
Option (A): Hydrogen is used as the fuel. Oxygen is used as the oxidant (the oxidizing agent).
Option (B): Reaction occurring at electrode X: O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e  4OH(aq)
Option (D): Electrode Y is the anode. Electrons flow from the anode to the cathode (electrode X)
in the external circuit.
13. B
Option (A): Reduction occurs at electrode U, so electrode U is the cathode.
Cr2O72–(aq) + 14H+(aq) + 6e–  2Cr3+(aq) + 7H2O(l)
Option (C): AgNO3(aq) cannot be used to make the salt bridge because Ag+(aq) will react with
I–(aq), forming AgI(s).
Option (D): A brown colour appears around electrode V after the cell has operated for some time
because I2(aq) forms: 2I(aq)  I2(aq) + 2e.
14. D
(1): When mercury is used as the cathode, Na+(aq) ions are preferentially discharged (reduced)
to form sodium metal, which immediately dissolves in mercury to give sodium amalgam.
(2): Cl(aq) ions are preferentially discharged (oxidized) to form chlorine gas at the graphite
electrode because the concentration of Cl(aq) in concentrated NaCl(aq) is much higher than
that of OH(aq).

HKDSE NEW CHEMISTRY  A Modern View

© 2023 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 12
25-minute Test Part VII

(3): During the electrolysis, the amounts of Na+(aq) and Cl(aq) ions in the electrolytic solution
decrease.
15. D
(1): C(s) + 4HNO3(aq)  CO2(g) + 4NO2(g) + 2H2O(l)
(2): Concentrated HNO3(aq) is at a lower position than Ag+(aq) in the E.C.S.. The oxidizing
power of concentrated HNO3(aq) is stronger than that of Ag+(aq), and hence it can oxidize silver
metal to Ag+(aq) ions.
3Ag(s) + NO3(aq) + 4H+(aq)  3Ag+(aq) + NO2(g) + 2H2O(l)
Concentrated HNO3(aq) can oxidize most metals, including those below hydrogen in the E.C.S.
(except gold and platinum).
(3): Concentrated HNO3(aq) is stored in brown bottles because light speeds up its
decomposition: 4HNO3(aq)  2H2O(l) + 4NO2(g) + O2(g)
16. B
(1): In the right half cell, the consumption of Cu2+ ions creates excess negative charge in the
solution. Ca2+ ions (from the salt bridge) will move to this half cell to balance the negative
charge. However, a precipitation reaction can occur between the Ca2+ ions and the SO42 ions,
forming insoluble CaSO4.
(2): In the left half cell, the formation of Mg2+ ions creates excess positive charge in the solution.
NO3 ions (from the salt bridge) will move to this half cell to balance the positive charge. There
is no reaction between Mg2+ and NO3 ions. There is also no reaction between Cu metal and
Zn2+ ions (from the salt bridge).
(3): both the Mg2+ and Cu2+ ions can react with the OH ions to form insoluble metal
hydroxides.
17. A
(3): Lead-acid accumulators are heavy because their electrodes are made of lead plates. Lead
metal has a high density. (Note: the positive electrode of this type of cell is made of lead plates
coated with lead(IV) oxide.)
18. D
(1): For the electrolysis of silver nitrate solution using graphite electrodes,
Anodic reaction: 4OH(aq)  O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e
Cathodic reaction: Ag+(aq) + e  Ag(s)

HKDSE NEW CHEMISTRY  A Modern View

© 2023 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 13
25-minute Test Part VII

(2): For the electrolysis of very dilute sodium chloride solution using graphite electrodes,
Anodic reaction: 4OH(aq)  O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e
Cathodic reaction: 2H+(aq) + 2e  H2(g)
(3): For the electrolysis of concentrated zinc sulphate solution using graphite electrodes,
Anodic reaction: 4OH(aq)  O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e
Cathodic reaction: 2H+(aq) + 2e  H2(g)
19. B
(1): In Cell II, Mg(s) is the anode because oxidation occurs at it: Mg(s)  Mg2+(aq) + 2e–.
Thus, Cu(s) is the cathode.
(2): Electrons flow from the Mg(s) to the Fe(s) in the external circuit because Mg loses
electrons more readily than Fe.
(3): The cell built by using the Mg/Cu couple gives a higher voltage than that built by using the
Mg/Fe couple because Mg and Cu are further apart in the E.C.S.
20. B
Option (A): the oxidation number of nitrogen in HNO3 and that in NO are +5 and +2
respectively. Hence, the change in oxidation number of nitrogen is 3.
Option (B): the oxidation number of manganese in KMnO4 and that in MnSO4 are +7 and +2
respectively. Hence, the change in oxidation number of manganese is 5.
Option (C): the oxidation number of chromium in (NH4)2Cr2O7 and that in Cr2O3 are +6 and +3
respectively. Hence, the change in oxidation number of chromium is 3.
Option (D): the oxidation number of chlorine in Cl2O7 and that in HClO2 are +7 and +3
respectively. Hence, the change in oxidation number of chlorine is 4.

HKDSE NEW CHEMISTRY  A Modern View

© 2023 Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 14