What type of power source, AC or DC, is used to drive the reaction in this cell?
When an electric current passes through the CuCl<sub>2</sub>(aq), the mass of electrode P increases - NSC Physical Sciences - Question 9 - 2017 - Paper 2
Question 9
What type of power source, AC or DC, is used to drive the reaction in this cell?
When an electric current passes through the CuCl<sub>2</sub>(aq), the mass of elect... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What type of power source, AC or DC, is used to drive the reaction in this cell?
When an electric current passes through the CuCl<sub>2</sub>(aq), the mass of electrode P increases - NSC Physical Sciences - Question 9 - 2017 - Paper 2
Step 1
What type of power source, AC or DC, is used to drive the reaction in this cell?
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Answer
The type of power source used to drive the reaction in this electrochemical cell is DC (Direct Current).
Step 2
When an electric current passes through the CuCl<sub>2</sub>(aq), the mass of electrode P increases. Is electrode P the CATHODE or the ANODE? Write down the relevant half-reaction to support the answer.
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Answer
Electrode P is the CATHODE. The relevant half-reaction that supports this is:
ightarrow Cu$$
This indicates that copper ions in the solution are being reduced to solid copper at the cathode.
Step 3
Refer to the relative strengths of oxidising agents to explain why zinc ions will not influence the quality of the pure copper produced in this cell.
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Answer
The reason zinc ions will not influence the quality of the pure copper is that Cu2+ is a stronger oxidising agent than Zn2+. Therefore, Zn2+ ions will not be reduced to zinc, ensuring that only copper is deposited.
Step 4
What will be observed at electrode Q?
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Answer
At electrode Q, chlorine gas/bubbles will be formed.
Step 5
How will the concentration of the electrolyte change as the reaction proceeds? Choose from INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME.
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Answer
The concentration of the electrolyte will DECREASE as the reaction proceeds.