Chemistry 5070 · O Level · Electrolysis

Electrolysis — practice question

Magnesium undergoes a reaction with aqueous copper(II) sulfate. $\text{Mg(s)} + \text{CuSO}_4\text{(aq)} \rightarrow \text{MgSO}_4\text{(aq)} + \text{Cu(s)}$
(a(i))[2]

Explain, with reference to the equation, why this is a redox reaction.

(a(ii))[1]

Construct the ionic equation for the reaction shown.

(b)[3]

Pure copper can be obtained by electrolysing aqueous copper(II) sulfate with one pure copper electrode and one impure copper electrode. Draw a labelled diagram of this electrolysis.

(c)[2]

What observations are made when aqueous ammonia is added to a solution containing copper(II) ions, with stirring, until no further change is seen?

(d)[2]

Blocks of magnesium are fixed to underground iron pipes to prevent rusting. Explain how the magnesium prevents the pipes from rusting.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Magnesium loses electrons, so it is oxidised

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