Chemistry 5070 · O Level · Electrolysis

Electrolysis — practice question

NaCl, sodium chloride, and magnesium chloride, MgCl$_2$, are both ionic compounds.
(a)[2]

Describe how the ions are arranged and what kind of attractive forces act between the ions in solid magnesium chloride.

(b)[2]

Explain why solid magnesium chloride is a non-conductor, but aqueous magnesium chloride does conduct electricity.

(c)[2]

State the electronic configuration of the magnesium ion and the chloride ion.

(d(i))[1]

Why are hydrogen ions discharged at the negative electrode instead of sodium ions?

(d(ii))[1]

Construct the equation for the reaction occurring at the negative electrode.

(d(iii))[2]

Describe a test for chlorine. Give both the test and the observation.

(e(i))[1]

Give the formulae of the four ions found in aqueous sodium chloride.

(e(ii))[2]

Suggest why the solution turns alkaline as electrolysis continues.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 13-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Regular / ordered / lattice / in layers / uniformly arranged / repeated pattern

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