Chemistry 40S Electrolysis Problem Set
1. Why is a power supply required for electrolysis? (1 mark)
2. Compare and contrast electrochemical cells and electrolytic cells by completing the
following table. (4 marks)
Galvanic Cells
Electrolytic Cells
Spontaneity
Standard Cell
Potential (E°cell)
Positive

Cathode

Anode
Direction of
Electron Movement
Direction of Ion
Movement

Strongest oxidizing agent
present undergoes
reduction
Negative electrode


Anions move to anode
Cations move to cathode
Strongest _________ agent
present undergoes oxidation

Anode to cathode
3.
a.
Sketch the electrolysis apparatus for the aqueous electrolysis of calcium bromide
and include the following labels. (3 marks)
I. Power source
II. + and – electrodes
III. Anode and cathode
IV. Movement of ions
V. Site of oxidation
VI. Movement of electrons
through the solution
and reduction
through the wires
Chemistry 40S Electrolysis Problem Set
b.
Write the balanced oxidation and reduction half reactions, and the overall
equation. (2 marks)
c.
What is the minimum voltage required to drive the reaction forward? (1 mark)
a.
Write the balanced oxidation and reduction half reactions, and the balanced
overall equation for the molten electrolysis of aluminum chloride. (2 marks)
b.
Calculate the masses of solid aluminum and chlorine gas produced on an
industrial scale if a current of 300 kA is drawn five full days. (3 marks)
4.
5. A battery delivers 0.300 A of current for 20 minutes.
a. How many moles of electons were transferred? (2 marks)
b.
If the mass of the zinc casing was originally 2 grams, what mass of the casing
remains? (2 marks)
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