PRACTICE PACKET: ELECTROCHEMISTRY

Regents Chemistry: Mr. Palermo

Practice Packet Unit 13:

Electrochemistry (RedOx)

Redox and
Batteries?
Ain’t nobody
got time for
that!!!

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PRACTICE PACKET: ELECTROCHEMISTRY

Lesson 1: Oxidation States

Oxidation numbers are very important in this chapter “Redox Reactions.” Without the complete
understanding of how to assign these numbers, we cannot move ahead with this chapter. They are much like
ionic charges, except the every element will be assigned a number. The most important rules that cannot be
broken are:
 Free elements are zero
 Group 1 is +1
 Group 2 is +2
 Fluorine is -1
 The sum of oxidation states in a compound is 0.
 The sum of oxidation states in a polyatomic ion is equal to the charge of that ion.

Assign oxidation numbers to each element in the following (use the Periodic Table to help you)

(a) NaCl Na___ Cl___ (m) BeO Be____ O____

(b) H2S H___ S___ (n) CaF2 Ca____ F ____
(c) H2O H___ O ___ (o) FeCl3 Fe____ Cl____
(d) CO2 C ___ O___ (p) PF5 P____ F____
(e) H2SO4 H ___ S___ O___ (q) H3PO4 H____ P____ O___
(f) FeCO3 Fe___ C___ O___ (r) KCl K ____ Cl____
(g) AgI Ag___ I___ (s) K2O K ____ O____
(h) H2 H___ (t) O3 O ____
(i) PbCl2 Pb___ Cl___ (u) LiH Li ____ H____
(j) BaCO3 Ba___ C ___ O___ (v) HBr H ____ Br____
(k) Fe2O3 Fe___ O___ (w) Li+ Li____
(l) I2 I____ (x) PO43- P____ O___

What is the oxidation number of each element in the following reactions:

1. AgNO3 + FeCl3  AgCl + Fe(NO3)3

2. MgSO4 + Ca(OH)2  Mg(OH)2 + CaSO4

3. FeBr2 + Br2  FeBr3

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Lesson 2: Identifying a Redox Reaction

A redox reaction is a reaction in which electrons are transferred from one element to another. The reaction
involves at least two elements, one that will give up an electron, and one that will receive that electron. The
term redox comes from two words, “oxidation” and “reduction.” If something is oxidized, it “burns” in oxygen,
as shown below:

Mg + O  Mg+2 + O-2
Write out the Lewis dot diagrams for each species above.

As you can see, Mg is being oxidized as it loses its two valence electrons, while oxygen gains two.

LEO =

GER =

____________________________________________________________________________

Indicate which element is being oxidized, and which is being reduced.

Oxidized Reduced
1. Cr3+ + Fe2+  Cr2+ + Fe3+ 1.
2. F2 + O2-  F1- + O2 2.
3. Sn + N5+  Sn4+ + N4+ 3.
4. NaCl  Na+ + Cl- 4.
5. Cu2O  Cu + O2 5.
6. Cl2 + KBr  KCl + Br2 6.
7. CH4 + O2  CO2 + H2O 7.
8. H3PO4 + Ca(OH) 2  Ca3(PO4) 2 + H2O 8.

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Redox reactions are usually synthesis reactions, decomposition, combustion or single replacement reactions.
Double replacement and neutralization reactions are NOT redox reactions. Usually they are easy to spot
because if an element goes from being “free” (with an oxidation number of 0) to being in a compound (with a
new oxidation number) it shows there was an exchange of electrons. In the following examples, identify what
type of reaction they are and then state if they are redox reactions.
1. N2 + O2  2NO _________________________ ____________
2. Cl2 + 2NaBr  NaCl + Br2 _________________________ ____________
3. 2NaOH + HCl  H2O + NaCl _________________________ ____________

Determine if the following reactions are REDOX reactions. Then determine which species is oxidized and
which is reduced.

1) NaOH + HCl  NaCl + H 2O

2) N2 + 3H2  2NH3

3) NaCl + AgNO3  NaNO3 + AgCl

4) Zn + CuSO4  ZnSO4 + Cu

5) 2KCl + Br2  2KBr + Cl2

6) 2H2 + O2  2H2O

7) Ba(OH)2 + H2SO4  BaSO4 + 2H2O

8) 2Mg + O2  2MgO

9) 2AgNO3 + CuSO4  Ag2SO4 + Cu(NO3)2

What type of reaction (S, D, C, SR, or DR) is NEVER redox? ______________________________

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Spontaneous Reactions and Activity Series

Use Table J to help you with the following questions.

1. Write the oxidation and reduction half reaction for:

Ca + Cu2+  Ca2+ + Cu

2. According to Table J, the element higher on the list will oxidize. Which element is oxidizing here and
does that mean that this reaction is spontaneous?

3. Write the oxidation and reduction half reaction for

Mg + Ca2+  Mg2+ + Ca

4. Which element is oxidizing in number 3 and is the reaction spontaneous?

5. Which of the following ions is most easily oxidized?

a. F- b. Cl- c. Br- d. I-

6. Which element is more easily reduced?

a. Cu b. Mg c. Al d. Zn

7. Which element will reduce Mg2- to Mg?

a. Fe b. Ba c. Pb d. Ag

8. Which ion will oxidize Fe?

a. Zn2+ b. Ca2+ c. Mg2+ d. Cu2+

9. Which metal will react spontaneously with Ag+ but not Zn2+?
a. Cu b. Au c. Al d. Mg

10. Which reaction will take place spontaneously?

a. Mg + Ca2+  Mg2+ + Ca
b. Ba + 2Na+  Ba2+ + 2Na
c. Cl2 + 2F- 2Cl- +F2
d. I2 + 2Br-  2I- + Br2

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Lesson 3: Half Reactions

A half reaction shows either the oxidation or reduction portion of a redox equation including if the electrons
are gained or lost. A reduction half reaction shows an atom or ion gaining one of more e-:
Fe3+ + 3e-  Fe Notice that the e- is one the left.

An oxidation half reaction shows an atom or ion losing one or more e-:
Mg  Mg2+ + 2 e- Notice that the e- is one the right.

In a half reaction, only on element is shown and the charges must be conserved. To write a half reaction, first
assign all the oxidation numbers to all the elements. Second, cross out any elements that are spectators (they
do not change oxidation number). Then, write a half reaction showing a change in oxidation state and label
which element is being oxidized and which is being reduced. Last, add in the number of electrons needed to
conserve the charge.

1. Cr3+ + Fe2+  Cr2+ + Fe3+

2. F2 + O2-  F1- + O2 For each reaction, decide if it is redox. If it is
5+ 4+ 4+
3. Sn + N  Sn + N redox, write the half reactions below. If they
are not redox, leave the answers blank.
4. NaCl  Na+ + Cl-
5. Cu2O  Cu + O2
6. Cl2 + KBr  KCl + Br2
7. CH4 + O2  CO2 + H2O
8. H3PO4 + Ca(OH) 2  Ca3(PO4) 2 + H2O

Oxidation Reduction
1. _____________________________________ ___________________________________
2. _____________________________________ ___________________________________
3. _____________________________________ ___________________________________
4. _____________________________________ ___________________________________
5. _____________________________________ ___________________________________
6. _____________________________________ ___________________________________
7. _____________________________________ ___________________________________
8. _____________________________________ ___________________________________

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Fill in the table below.

Which Reducing half Reaction Oxidizing half reaction How

element is many
reducing?
Which
e- are
element is trans-
oxidizing? ferred?
1
H2 + O2  H2O

2
Fe + Zn2+  Fe2+ + Zn

2Al + 3Fe2+  2Al+3 + 3Fe

Cu + 2AgNO3  Cu(NO3)2 + 2Ag

Balancing Redox Equations

Practice: Balance the following redox reactions

1. CsF + Na → NaF + Cs

2. NaCl + Br2 → NaBr + Cl2

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3. MgCl2 + Cr → Mg + CrCl3

4. Pb + AgNO2 → Pb(NO2)2 + Ag

5. Fe+2 + Cu+ → Fe+3 + Cu

6. Cr + CuBr2 → CrBr3 + Cu

7. Zn + CuO → ZnO + Cu

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PRACTICE PACKET: ELECTROCHEMISTRY

RedOx Regents Review

1. Which reaction is an example of an oxidation-
reduction reaction?
(1) AgNO3 + KI → AgI + KNO3 (1) The manganese is reduced and its oxidation
(2) Cu + 2AgNO3 → Cu(NO3)2 + 2Ag number changes from +4 to +2.
(3) 2KOH + H2SO4 → K2SO4 + 2H2O (2) The manganese is oxidized and its oxidation
(4) Ba(OH)2 + 2HCl → BaCl2 + 2H2O number changes from +4 to +2.
(3) The manganese is reduced and its oxidation
2. In an oxidation-reduction reaction, reduction is number changes from +2 to +4.
defined as the (4) The manganese is oxidized and its oxidation
(1) loss of protons (3) loss of electrons number changes from +2 to +4.
(2) gain of protons (4) gain of electrons
9. Given the balanced equation:
+
3. When a lithium atom forms a Li ion, the lithium
atom
What is the total number of moles of
(1) gains a proton (3) loses a proton
electrons lost by 2 moles of Al(s)?
(2) gains an electron (4) loses an electron
(1) 1 mole (3) 3 moles
(2) 6 moles (4) 9 moles
4. Which type of reaction occurs when nonmetal
atoms become negative nonmetal ions?
10.Given the balanced equation:
(1) oxidation (3) substitution
Mg(s) + Ni2+(aq)  Mg2+(aq) + Ni(s)
(2) reduction (4) condensation
What is the total number of moles of electrons lost
by 2 moles of Mg(s)?
5. When a neutral atom undergoes oxidation,
(1) 1.0 mol (3) 3.0 mol
the atom’s oxidation state
(2) 2.0 mol (4) 4.0 mol
(1) decreases as it gains electrons
(2) decreases as it loses electrons
11. Given the equation representing a reaction:
(3) increases as it gains electrons
Mg(s) + Ni2+(aq)  Mg2+(aq) + Ni(s)
(4) increases as it loses electrons
What is the total number of moles of e- lost by Mg
when 2.0 moles of e- are gained by Ni2+(aq)?
6. In a redox reaction, there is a conservation of
(1) 1.0 mol (3) 3.0 mol
(1) mass, only
(2) 2.0 mol (4) 4.0 mol
(2) both mass and charge
(3) neither mass nor charge
12. Given the reaction:
7. In any redox reaction, the substance that
undergoes reduction will
(1) lose e- & have a decrease in oxidation number Which species undergoes oxidation?
(2) lose e- & have an increase in oxidation number (1) Mg(s) (3) Cl–(aq)
(3) gain e- & have a decrease in oxidation number +
(2) H (aq) (4) H2(g)
(4) gain e- & have an increase in oxidation number
8. What occurs during the reaction below?

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13. Given the redox reaction: 14. Given the redox reaction:
2 Fe3+ + 3 Zn  2 Fe + 3 Zn2+
As the reaction takes place, there is a transfer of
As the reaction takes place, there is a electrons
transfer of (1) from Fe3+ to Zn
(1) electrons from Al to Cr3+ (2) from Zn to Fe3+
(2) electrons from Cr3+ to Al (3) from Zn2+ to Fe
(3) protons from Al to Cr3+ (4) from Fe to Zn2+
(4) protons from Cr3+ to Al
________________________________________________________________________________________

14. Circle the electrons in the half-reactions below and identify as oxidation or reduction.
(a) Br2 + 2 e– → 2 Br– (d) Cl2 + 2 e– → 2 Cl– (g) Cu2+ + 2 e– → Cu

(b) Na → Na+ + e– (e) Na+ + e– → Na (h) Fe → Fe2+ + 2 e–

(c) Ca2+ + 2e– → Ca (f) S2– → S + 2e– (i) Mn7+ + 3 e– → Mn4+

15. Complete the half-reactions below by ADDING in electrons to the correct side in order to equalize
charge (show conservation of charge).

(a) Fe2+  Fe3+ (f) Mn3+  Mn4+

(b) K  K+ (g) Cr2+  Cr3+
(c) Sn4+  Sn2+ (h) Cl7+  Cl1+
(d) Cr6+  Cr3+ (i) 3Cl2  6Cl–
(e) O2  2O– (j) 4H+  2H2

16. For each of the following equations, write the reduction half-reaction and the oxidation half-reaction.

Reduction:
(a) Cl2 + 2 KBr  2 KCl + Br2
Oxidation:
Reduction:
(b) Cu + 2 Ag+  2 Ag + Cu2+
Oxidation:
Reduction:
(c) 2 Mg + O2  2 MgO
Oxidation:
Reduction:
(d) 2 F2 + 2 H2O  4 HF + O2
Oxidation:
17. Which half-reaction correctly represents (2) Fe2+(aq) → Fe(s) + 2e–
oxidation? (3) Fe(s) + 2e– → Fe2+(aq)
(1) Fe(s) → Fe2+(aq) + 2e– (4) Fe2+(aq) + 2e– → Fe(s)
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18. Which equation shows a conservation of both

mass and charge? 20. Which half-reaction equation represents
(1) Cl2 + Br– → Cl– + Br2 the reduction of a potassium ion?
(2) Cu + 2Ag+ → Cu2+ + Ag+ (1) K+ + e–  K (3) K+  K + e–
(3) Zn + Cr3+ → Zn2+ + Cr (2) K + e–  K+ (4) K  K+ + e–
(4) Ni + Pb2+ → Ni2+ + Pb
21. Given the equation:
19. Given the balanced ionic equation:

Which equation represents the oxidation The reduction half-reaction is

half-reaction? (1) Al → Al3+ + 3e–
(1) Zn(s) + 2e– → Zn2+(aq) (2) Cu2+ + 2e– → Cu
(2) Zn(s) → Zn2+(aq) + 2e– (3) Al + 3e– → Al3+
(3) Cu2+(aq) → Cu(s) + 2e– (4) Cu2+ → Cu + 2e–
(4) Cu2+(aq) + 2e– → Cu(s)

22. Base your answers to the questions below on the following redox reaction, which occurs in a battery.
____ Zn + ____ Cr3+  ____ Zn2+ + ____ Cr

(a) Write the half-reaction for the reduction that occurs.

(b) Write the half-reaction for the oxidation that occurs.

(c) Balance the equation below using the smallest whole-number coefficients.

____ Zn + ____ Cr3+  ____ Zn2+ + ____ Cr

(d) Which species loses electrons and which species gains electrons?

(e) State what happens to the number of protons in a Zn atom when it changes to Zn 2+ as the redox
reaction occurs.

23. The outer structure of the Statue of Liberty is made of copper metal. The framework is made of iron. Over
time, a thin green layer (patina) forms on the copper surface.
(a) When copper oxidized to form this patina layer, the copper atoms became copper(II) ions (Cu 2+). Write
a balanced half-reaction for this oxidation of copper.
Cu  Cu2+ + 2e–
(b) Where the iron framework came in contact with the copper surface, a reaction occurred in which iron
was oxidized. Using information from Reference Table J, explain why the iron was oxidized.
Iron is a more active metal.

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24. Litharge, PbO, is an ore that can be roasted (heated) in the presence of carbon monoxide, CO, to produce
elemental lead. The reaction that takes place during this roasting process is represented by the balanced
equation below.
PbO(s) + CO(g)  Pb(ℓ) + CO2(g)
(a) Write the balanced equation for the reduction half-reaction that occurs during this roasting process.

(b) Determine the oxidation number of carbon in carbon monoxide. _____

25. The catalytic converter in an automobile changes harmful gases produced during fuel combustion to less
harmful exhaust gases. In the catalytic converter, nitrogen dioxide reacts with carbon monoxide to produce
nitrogen and carbon dioxide. In addition, some carbon monoxide reacts with oxygen, producing carbon
dioxide in the converter. These reactions are represented by the balanced equations below.

Determine the oxidation number of carbon in each carbon compound in reaction 2. Your response must
include both the sign and value of each oxidation number.
+2 for carbon in CO and +4 for carbon in CO2.

26. A flashlight can be powered by a rechargeable nickel-cadmium battery. The unbalanced equation below
represents the reaction that occurs as the battery produces electricity. When a nickel-cadmium battery is
recharged, the reverse reaction occurs.

(a) Balance the equation above using the smallest whole-number coefficients. 1,1,2,1,1
(b) Determine the change in oxidation number for Cd. from 0 to +2
(c) Explain why Cd would be above Ni if placed on Table J. Cd is more reactive than Ni.

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Lesson 4: Electrochemical Cells

Voltaic Cells
Directions: In each of the following, determine which element oxidized easier on table J. Then label the anode,
cathode, direction of e- flow, and the half reactions.

1. 2.

3. 4.

Additional Questions:
4. On diagram 1, which way will anions travel through the salt bridge? ____________
5. On diagram 2, towards which electrode will cations travel through the salt bridge? ____________
6. On diagram 3, how many e- are exchanged per mole of Mg? ____________
7. On diagram 4, how many e- are transferred between Ag and Ni? ____________
8. On all diagrams, at which electrode does oxidation occur? ____________
9. On all diagrams, at which electrode does reduction occur? ____________
10. On all diagrams, from which electrode will electrons travel? ____________
11. What is the purpose of the salt bridge? ____________________________________________________

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Lesson 5: Electrolytic Cells

1. Which element is oxidizing in the diagram to the left? _____

2. According to Table J, should that element oxidize? ______

3. Is this reaction spontaneous? _____

4. What type of cell is it? ___________________

5. Label the anode and the cathode with charges on the diagram to the left.

6. Write the overall reaction for this cell.

____________________________________________________

7. Water is being decomposed using a battery in the diagram to the

right. Write the equation for the decomposition of water.

_______________________________________

8. Which element is being oxidized? ____ How many e- are lost? ___

9. According to Table J, should that element oxidize? ______

10. Is this reaction spontaneous? _____

11. What type of cell is it? ___________________

12. Label where oxidation and reduction on the diagram.

13. Why is more H2 gas being formed that O2 gas?

6. Write the overall reaction for this cell.

14. Only one element is being used in the diagram to the left. The silver plate
ionizes and the ions attach to the spoon. Show a half reaction for silver oxidizing.

____________________________________

15. Label the anode and cathode with charges on the diagram.

16. Show the direction of e- flow through the wire.

17. Is this reaction spontaneous? _____ How can you tell? __________________

___________________________________________________________
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18. Write the half reaction for the anode in the diagram to the left:

_________________________________________________

19. Write the half reaction for the cathode (use Fe+2):

__________________________________________________

20. How many e- are transferred per mole? _____

21. Show the direction of e- flow through the power supply.

22. Why is a power source needed in this cell? __________________

_________________________________________________

23. Show a half reaction for silver reducing.

__________________________________________________

24. Label the cathode on the diagram to the right.

25. What will happen to the mass of the key?

__________________________________________________

26. What will happen to the mass of the silver metal?

__________________________________________________

27. Show the direction of e- flow through the wire on the diagram to the right.

29. Why will the mass of the key increase?

__________________________________________________

30. Label the anode, cathode, and the direction of e-flow through the
wire.

31. State the difference between voltaic and electrolytic cells in

terms of spontaneity.

__________________________________________________

32. State the difference between voltaic and electrolytic cells in

terms of energy being released or absorbed.

__________________________________________________

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Electrochemical Cells Regents Questions

6. Which energy transformation occurs when an
electrolytic cell is in operation?
1. In a voltaic cell, chemical energy is converted to (1) chemical energy → electrical energy
(1) electrical energy, spontaneously (2) electrical energy → chemical energy
(2) electrical energy, nonspontaneously (3) light energy → heat energy
(3) nuclear energy, spontaneously (4) light energy → chemical energy
(4) nuclear energy, nonspontaneously
7. What is the purpose of the salt bridge in a voltaic
2. A voltaic cell spontaneously converts cell?
(1) electrical energy to chemical energy (1) It blocks the flow of electrons.
(2) chemical energy to electrical energy (2) It blocks the flow of positive and negative
(3) electrical energy to nuclear energy ions.
(4) nuclear energy to electrical energy (3) It is a path for the flow of electrons.
(4) It is a path for the flow of positive and
3. A voltaic cell differs from an electrolytic cell in negative ions.
that in a voltaic cell
(1) energy is produced when the reaction 8. Which statement is true for any electrochemical
occurs cell?
(2) energy is required for the reaction to occur (1) Oxidation occurs at the anode, only.
(3) both oxidation and reduction occur (2) Reduction occurs at the anode, only.
(4) neither oxidation nor reduction occurs (3) Oxidation occurs at both the anode and the
cathode.
4. Which half-reaction can occur at the anode in a (4) Reduction occurs at both the anode and the
voltaic cell? cathode.
2+
(1) Ni + 2e- → Ni
(2) Sn + 2e- → Sn
2+ 9. Given the balanced equation representing a
2+
(3) Zn → Zn + 2e- reaction occurring in an electrolytic cell:
3+ 2+
(4) Fe → Fe + e- 2NaCl(l)  2Na(l) + Cl2(g)
Where is Na(l) produced in the cell?
5. Which process requires an external power (1) at the anode, where oxidation occurs
source? (2) at the anode, where reduction occurs
(1) neutralization (3) fermentation (3) at the cathode, where oxidation occurs
(2) synthesis (4) electrolysis (4) at the cathode, where reduction occurs

Answer questions 10 and 11 using the diagram below, which represents an electrochemical cell.

10. When the switch is closed, in which half-cell does oxidation occur?

11. What occurs when the switch is closed?

(1) Zn is reduced.
(2) Cu is oxidized.
(3) Electrons flow from Cu to Zn.
(4) Electrons flow from Zn to Cu.
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Use the diagram of a key being plated with copper to answer questions 12 through 15.

12. What is the name of the process shown in the diagram?

13. What is the purpose of the battery in this electrolytic cell?

14. Which electrode, A or B, attracts positive copper ions?

15. Given the reduction reaction for this cell: Cu2+(aq) + 2e– → Cu(s) This
reduction occurs at
(1) A, which is the anode (3) B, which is the anode
(2) A, which is the cathode (4) B, which is the cathode

16. Aluminum is one of the most abundant metals in Earth’s crust. The aluminum compound found in bauxite
ore is Al2O3. Over one hundred years ago, it was difficult and expensive to isolate aluminum from bauxite ore.
In 1886, a brother and sister team, Charles and Julia Hall, found that molten (melted) cryolite, Na 3AlF6, would
dissolve bauxite ore. Electrolysis of the resulting mixture caused the aluminum ions in the Al2O3 to be reduced
to molten aluminum metal. This less expensive process is known as the Hall process.

(a) Write the oxidation state for each of the elements in cryolite.
Na: +1 Al: +3 F: –1
(b) Write the balanced half-reaction equation for the reduction of Al3+ to Al.
3+
Al + 3e– Al
(c) Explain, in terms of ions, why molten cryolite conducts electricity.
There are freely moving ions in the molten c
(d) Explain, in terms of electrical energy, how the operation of a voltaic cell differs from the operation of
an electrolytic cell used in the Hall process. Include both the voltaic cell and the electrolytic cell in your
answer.
Electrolysis uses electrical energy. Voltaic cells produce electrical energy.
17. Base your answers to the following questions on the diagram of the voltaic cell below.

(a) Identify the anode and the cathode.

Anode = Pb Cathode = Ag

(b) Write the oxidation and reduction half-reactions for

this voltaic cell.
Red: 2Ag+ + 2 e-  2Ag
2 e-
(c) What is the total number of moles of electrons needed to
completely reduce 6 moles of Ag+(aq) ions?

(d) Describe the direction of electron flow between the

electrodes.
Electrons flow from the Pb electrode to the Ag electrode

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(e) State the purpose of the salt bridge in this cell.

Maintains a balance of charge; allows ions to migrate
(f) State the electrode to which positive ions migrate when the switch is closed.
Ag electrode (the cathode) – to balanced the electrons that are arriving
(g) As this voltaic cell operates, the mass of the Ag(s) electrode increases. Explain, in terms of silver
ions and silver atoms, why this increase in mass occurs.
At the Ag electrode, silver ions in the water are being reduced to solid silver atoms. The solid
silver deposits on the Ag electrode, which increases its mass.
18. Base your answers to the following questions on the diagram below, which represents a voltaic cell at 298
K and 1 atm.

(a) In which half-cell will oxidation occur when switch S is

closed?
Zn, anode, right
(b) Write the balanced half-reaction equation that will occur in
half-cell 1 when switch S is closed.
Pb2+ + 2e– 

(c) Describe the direction of electron flow between the

electrodes when switch S is closed.
anode to cathode

19. Base your answers to the following questions on the information below.

Underground iron pipes in contact with moist soil are likely to corrode. This corrosion can be prevented by
applying the principles of electrochemistry. Connecting an iron pipe to a magnesium block with a wire creates
an electrochemical cell. The magnesium block acts as the anode and the iron pipe acts as the cathode. A
diagram of this system is shown below.
(a) State the direction of the flow of electrons between
the electrodes in this cell.
From Mg (anode) to Fe (cathode)

(b) Explain, in terms of reactivity, why magnesium is

preferred over zinc to protect underground iron
pipes. Your response must include both magnesium
and zinc.
ore readily than Zn.

The salt bridge allows ions to flow between the half-cells.

Maintains a balance of charge

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20. Base your answers to the following questions on the diagram and balanced equation below, which
represent the electrolysis of molten NaCl.

(a) When the switch is closed, which electrode will attract

the sodium ions? cathode, one on the right

(b) What is the purpose of the battery in this electrolytic cell?

energy source

(c) Write the balanced half-reaction for the reduction that

occurs in this electrolytic cell.
Na+ + e–  Na
OR 2

21. State two similarities and two differences between voltaic and electrolytic cells.
Electrons flow anode to cathode
Diff: voltaic: produces energy, spongy
Electrolytic: requires energy, nonspontaneous, 1 cell, electrical energy  chemical energy
22. The apparatus shown in the diagram consists of two inert platinum electrodes immersed in water. A small
amount of an electrolyte, H2SO4, must be added to the water for the reaction to take place. The electrodes are
connected to a source that supplies electricity.

(a) What type of electrochemical cell is shown? electrolytic or

electrolysis

(b) What particles are provided by the electrolyte that allow an

electric current to flow?
Ions, charged particles, H3O+, or SO42–

23. The diagram below shows a system in which water is being decomposed into oxygen gas and hydrogen
gas. Litmus is used as an indicator in the water. The litmus turns red in test tube 1 and blue in test tube 2.
The oxidation and reduction occurring in the test tubes are represented by the balanced equations below.

(a) Identify the information in the diagram that indicates

this system is an electrolytic cell.
A battery is part of the cell and is providing energy that
causes the reaction.
Electricity is used to operate the cell.
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(b) Determine the change in oxidation number of oxygen

during the reaction in test tube 1. -2 to 0

(c) Explain, in terms of the products formed in test tube 2, why litmus turns blue in test tube 2.
Litmus turns blue when hydroxide ions are produce

25. Which reaction occurs spontaneously? 27. Which metal with react with Zn2+
(1) Cl2(g) + 2NaBr(aq)  Br2(l) + 2NaCl(aq) spontaneously, but will not react with Mg2+?
(2) Cl2(g) + 2NaF(aq)  F2(g) + 2NaCl(aq) (1) Al (3) Ni
(3) I2(s) + 2NaBr(aq)  Br2(l) + 2NaI(aq) (2) Cu (4) Ba
(4) I2(s) + 2NaF(aq)  F2(g) + 2NaI(aq)
28. Which of the following metals has the least
26. Which metal reacts spontaneously with a tendency to undergo oxidation?
solution containing zinc ions? (1) Ag (3) Zn
(1) magnesium (3) copper (2) Pb (4) Li
(2) nickel (4) silver

29. Because tap water is slightly acidic, water pipes made of iron corrode over time, as shown by the balanced
ionic equation: 2Fe(s) + 6H+(aq)  2Fe3+(aq) + 3H2(g)
Explain, in terms of chemical reactivity, why copper pipes are less likely to corrode than iron pipes.

30. Identify one metal that does not react spontaneously with HCl(aq).

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