Electrochemistry — IGCSE Chemistry (0971) questions by topic

Electrochemistry questions cover electrolysis of molten and aqueous compounds: identifying products at each electrode when molten zinc oxide is electrolysed, writing the half-equation for the cathode reaction when dilute sodium chloride solution is electrolysed, identifying the overall equation for a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell, and naming the main product at the anode when concentrated sodium chloride solution is electrolysed. Identify, describe, state and name want precise, specific answers about electrode products and equations.

9 questions from 2025 papers sit on this page, worth between 1 and 15 marks. Because electrode-product questions depend on knowing exactly which ion is preferentially discharged under given conditions, submitting an answer for instant marking flags quickly whether a half-equation or named product has confused concentrated with dilute conditions, which changes the correct answer entirely.

May–June 2025, Paper 11

Question 11 · 1 mark

Concentrated aqueous sodium chloride is electrolysed using inert electrodes. What is the main product formed at the positive electrode (anode)? A chlorine B hydrogen C oxygen D…

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May–June 2025, Paper 12

Question 12 · 1 mark

The diagram shows a simple electrolytic cell for an electrolysis experiment. A battery (d.c. power supply) is connected to two electrodes dipping into a liquid in a beaker. The…

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May–June 2025, Paper 21

Question 10 · 1 mark

The diagram shows the electroplating of a steel object. A power supply has its positive (+) terminal connected to a copper electrode and its negative (-) terminal connected to the…

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Question 11 · 1 mark

Concentrated aqueous sodium chloride is electrolysed using inert electrodes. Which equation shows the correct ionic half-equation for the reaction at the anode? A Cl^- + e^- - Cl…

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Question 12 · 1 mark

Which equation represents the overall reaction in a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell? A 2H2 + O2 - 2H2O B 2H2O - 2H2 + O2 C H2 + O2 - H2O2 D H2O2 - H2 + O2

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May–June 2025, Paper 22

Question 10 · 1 mark

Molten zinc oxide is electrolysed using inert electrodes. Which row identifies the product at each electrode? anode cathode --- --- --- A zinc oxygen B hydrogen oxygen C oxygen…

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Question 11 · 1 mark

Dilute aqueous sodium chloride is electrolysed using platinum electrodes. What is the half-equation for the reaction at the cathode? A 2H^+ + 2e^- - H2 B Na^+ + e^- - Na C 2Cl^- -…

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Question 12 · 1 mark

Hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells can be used to power vehicles. Which statement about hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells is correct? A The equation for the overall reaction is H2 + O2 - H2O2. B…

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May–June 2025, Paper 42

Question 3 · 15 marks

This question is about electrolysis. Complete the definition of electrolysis by filling in the missing words. 'The decomposition of ........................................…

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