Chapter 4: Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

List ALL
Basic Questions
BQ 1 Which of the following equations is/ are an oxidation reaction?
[-A-] CuCO3 CuO + CO2
[-B-] ZnO + 2 HCl ZnCl2 + H2O
[-C-] 2 Cu + O2 2 CuO
[-D-] Na2CO3 + 2HCl 2 NaCl +H2O + CO2
BQ 2 These elements are listed in decreasing tendency to lose electrons. Which of these reactions below
takes place spontaneously?
Zn(s) Zn+2 + 2e
H2(g) 2H+ + e
Cu(s) Cu+2 + 2e
Ag(s) Ag+ + e
a) Cu(s)+Zn+2(aq) Zn(s) + Cu+2(aq)
b) Zn(s) + Cu+2 Zn2+ + Cu(s)
c) Cu(s) + H+ Cu+2 + H2(g)
d) H2(g) + Cu+2(aq) Cu(s)+ 2H+
e) 2Ag(s) + 2H+ 2Ag+ + H2(g)
f) Zn(s) + 2Ag(s) Zn+2(aq) + 2Ag+
BQ 3
A zinc rod is placed in a 1.0 M zinc nitrate solution. A copper strip is placed in a 1.0 M copper nitrate
solution. The two half-cells are connected by a salt bridge and, externally, by a voltmeter. The voltmeter
reads 1.10V, and it shows that copper is the positive terminal of the cell.
a)
In what direction does the current pass in the outside circuit (the voltmeter)?
b)
In what direction do electrons pass in the outside circuit (the voltmeter)?
c)
Which electrode is the cathode?
d)
Write the equation of the net reaction that takes place at the cathode.
e) Which electrode is the anode?
f) Write the equation of the half-reaction that takes place at the anode.
g) In what direction does the current pass in the solution?
h) Write the overall equation for the reaction taking place.
i) How much energy is released by the cell when 2.0 C pass by any point in the circuit?
BQ 4 Using the table of standard reduction half-cell potentials, answer the following:
a) What would happen if an aluminium spoon is used to stir Fe(NO3)2 solution?
What would happen if an iron spoon is used to stir an AlCl3 solution?
b) Can 1 M Fe2(SO4)3 solution be stored in a container made of nickel metal? Explain your answer.
BQ 5
a)
Predict the Enet for the cell made up of the standard half-cells of copper and bromine.
b)
Which electrode is the positive terminal of the cell?
c)
How do the positive and negative ions flow in the solutions?
d)
Do you expect a copper metal to react with bromide ions?
Do you expect copper ions to react with bromine?

BQ 6 A half-cell consisting of a cadmium rod dipping into a 1.0 M Cd(NO3)2 solution is connected with
a standard hydrogen half-cell. The cell voltage is 0.40 volt and the platinum electrode in the hydrogen
half-cell is the cathode. Determine Eo for the reaction Cd Cd+2 + 2e
BQ 7 A cell consists of a hydrogen electrode immersed in 1 M HNO3 and a silver electrode immersed
in 1 M AgNO3. The net equation for the reaction is: H2(g) + 2Ag+ 2Ag(s) + 2H+
To reverse the direction of the current produced by the cell,
a) increase the size of the silver electrode.
b) increase the size of the hydrogen electrode.
c) decrease the concentration of the hydrogen ions.
d) decrease the concentration of the silver ions.
e) increase the concentration of the silver ions.
BQ 8
a) Predict the Enet for the cell made up of the standard half-cells of zinc and silver.
b) How does the current flow in the outside circuit?
c) Which electrode is the cathode?
d) Which electrode gains weight?
e) When this electrode gains 0.0010 mole, how many grams will the other electrode lose in weight?
BQ 9
1. Find the oxidation number of each element in
a) H3PO4
b) HSO4
c) C2H3O2
d) Pt(H2O)42+
e) Fe2(CO3)3
2. The oxidation number of nitrogen increases as:
a) NO3- becomes NO
(from +5 to +2)
b) N2O4 becomes NI3
(from +4 to +3)
c) CN- becomes HCN
(from -5 to -5)
d) NH3 becomes NH4+
(from +3 to -3)
e) NO2 becomes N2O5
(from +4 to +5)
BQ 10
a) In acidic medium
When copper metal is placed in a dilute solution of nitric acid bubbles of NO gas are produced. The
solution turns blue, indicating that Cu2+ is forming. Write a balanced equation, showing all steps.
b) In basic medium
Complete and balance the following equation which takes place in basic aqueous solution
P4 (s) + H2O (l) H2PO3-(aq) + P2H4 (g)
BQ 11 The following are results for the experiments on electrolysis using inert electrodes.
Complete the table below, the first one has been done for you.

Electrolyte

Change at the negative

electrode

Change at the positive

electrode

Change to electrolyte

Molten lead(II) chloride

Lead formed

Chlorine formed

Used up

Potassium formed

Iodine formed

Used up

Hydrogen formed

Bromine formed

Potassium hydroxide
formed

Dilute aqueous sodium

chloride
Aqueous copper (II)
sulphate

BQ 12 Write the two half-reactions occurring when molten ZnCl2 is electrolyzed.

BQ 13 Concentrated hydrochloric acid is electrolysed using the apparatus below.

(a)
(b)
(c)

Label on the diagram the position of the electrodes.

What are the two observations when the circuit is switched on?
(i)
The product at the positive electrode is called :
(ii)
The test and the result of this product are:
BQ 14 Which of the following aqueous solutions produces H2(g) and O2(g) during electrolysis?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

KI(aq)
CuI2(aq)
molten NaCl
CuSO4(aq)
K2SO4(aq)

Product at anode
I2 (s)
I2 (s)
Cl2 (g)
O2 (g)
O2 (g)
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Product at cathode
H2 (g)
Cu (s)
Na (l)
Cu (s)
H2 (g)

BQ 15 An iron spoon is to be plated with copper metal. Write the two half-reactions occurring at each
electrode.
BQ 16 Which of the following apparatus could be used to electroplate an iron nail with nickel?

Key
[-A-]
Nickel rod
iron nail

Aqueous nickel (II) sulphate

[-B-]

[-C-]

Aqueous iron (II) sulphate

aqueous nickel (II) sulphate

[-D-]

[-E-]

Aqueous iron (II) sulphate

Aqueous nickel (II) carbonate

BQ 17
1) A current of one ampere is passed through a voltammeter containing concentrated aqueous sodium
chloride with inert electrodes for 32 minutes. Find the volume of each gas liberated at room
conditions.
2) Calculate the mass of lead deposited and the volume of iodine gas released at STP when 2 faradays (2
F) of electricity flow through molten lead (II) iodide, PbI2.
3) A current of 0.020 A passes for 5.00 hours through a solution of gold (III) nitrate. Calculate the mass
of metal deposited.
4) A metal has a relative atomic mass of 48.0 was deposited by electrolysis. If 0.239 g of the metal was
deposited when 0.100 A flowed for 4.00 hours, what is the charge on the ion of this metal?
5) A current of 2.00 A was passed through a solution of nitric acid for 6.00 hours. Calculate the volume
of hydrogen and oxygen gases produced measured at RTP conditions.
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Sample Questions
SQ1 When a zinc rod is placed in copper nitrate solution,
a) copper metal deposits on the zinc rod.
b) zinc metal deposits on the copper rod.
c) the blue color of the solution fades away.
d) the blue color of the solution intensifies (becomes stronger).
e) zinc dissolves becoming zinc ions.
f) no reaction takes place as far as we can see.
SQ2 When a copper rod is placed in zinc nitrate solution,
a) copper metal deposits on the zinc rod.
b) zinc metal deposits on the copper rod.
c) the blue color of the solution fades away.
d) the blue color of the solution intensifies (becomes stronger).
e) zinc dissolves becoming zinc ions.
f) no reaction takes place as far as we can see.
SQ3
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)

The color of chlorine, bromine and iodine dissolved in CCl4 are respectively
colorless, reddish brown, violet.
colorless, violet, reddish brown.
violet, colorless, reddish brown.
violet, reddish brown, colorless.
reddish brown, colorless, violet.
reddish brown, violet, colorless.

SQ4 When chlorine water is added to NaBr solution

a) the element bromine is produced.
b) chlorine reacts to give chloride ions.
c) bromine changes to bromide ions.
d) no reaction takes place.
e) chlorine bubbles out as a gas.
f) bromine bubbles out as a gas.
g) the solution turns from colorless to brown.
SQ5
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)

When bromine water is added to NaCl solution

the element chlorine is produced.
chlorine reacts to give chloride ions.
bromine changes to bromide ions.
no reaction takes place.
chlorine bubbles out as a gas.
bromine bubbles out as a gas.
the solution turns from colorless to brown.

SQ6 When bromine water is added to NaI solution

a) the element iodine is produced.
b) bromine reacts to give bromide ions.
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c)
d)
e)
f)
g)

if CCl4 is added, its colour becomes purple.

no reaction takes place.
iodine bubbles out as a gas.
bromine bubbles out as a gas.
the solution turns from brown to colorless.

SQ7 Identify the reactions that occur spontaneously:

a) Cl2(aq) + 2I(aq) 2Cl(aq) + I2(aq)
b) Cl2(aq) + 2Br(aq) 2Cl(aq) + Br2(aq)
c) Br2(aq) + 2I(aq) 2Br(aq) + I2(aq)
d) Br2(aq) + 2Cl(aq) 2Br(aq) + Cl2(aq)
e) I2(aq) + 2Cl(aq) 2I(aq) + Cl2(aq)
f) I2(aq) + 2Br(aq) 2I(aq) + Br2(aq)
SQ8
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Chemists use the term half-reaction. Which of the following is an example?

I2(aq) + 2Br(aq)
2I(aq) + Br2(aq)
2I(aq) + Br2(aq)
2Br(aq) 2e + Br2(aq)
2e + Cl2(aq) 2Cl(aq)

SQ9
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)

Chemists use the term oxidation reaction. A good example is

any reaction in which the charge on a specific element increases.
any reaction in which the charge on a specific element decreases.
2Br(aq) 2e + Br2(aq)
2e + Cl2(aq) 2Cl(aq)
H+(aq) + OH(aq) H2O(l)
a reaction in which electrons are lost
are reaction in which addition of oxygen occurs.

SQ10
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)

Chemists use the term reduction reaction. A good example is

any reaction in which the charge on a specific element increases.
any reaction in which the charge on a specific element decreases.
2Br(aq) 2e + Br2(aq)
2e + Cl2(aq) 2Cl(aq)
H+(aq) + OH(aq) H2O(l)
a reaction in which electrons are gained
are reaction in which removal of oxygen occurs.

SQ11
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

When chemists say an element has been oxidized,

they mean that the charge on it has increased.
they mean that the charge on it has decreased.
a good example would be 2Br(aq) 2e + Br2(aq)
a good example would be 2e + Cl2(aq) 2Cl(aq)
a good example would be H+(aq) + OH(aq) H2O(l)

SQ12 Which of the following is essential for a silver-copper electrochemical cell to operate?
a) A silver rod in a silver nitrate solution (in beaker 1).
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b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)

A copper rod in a copper nitrate solution (in beaker 2).

Metal wires to connect the two rods.
An ammeter connected by wires to the two rods.
A salt bridge full of, say, sodium nitrate, inverted such that each arm is in one of the two beakers.
A battery or a cell.
A resistor R connected in series.

SQ13 The net reaction of a cell formed of silver and copper half cells is:
Cu(s) + 2Ag+(aq) 2Ag(s) + Cu+2(aq)
When 0.0100 mole of copper dissolves,
a) 0.0100 mole of silver dissolves.
b) 0.0200 mole of silver dissolves.
c) 0.0100 mole of silver deposits.
d) 0.0200 mole of silver deposits.
e) 0.0100 g of silver deposits.
f) 0.0200 g of silver deposits.
SQ14 Which is true about an oxidation-reduction reaction?
a) A good example is Cu(s) + 2Ag+(aq) 2Ag(s) + Cu+2(aq)
b) A good example is Cu(aq) Cu+2(aq) + 2e
c) A good example is 2Ag+(aq) + 2e 2Ag(s)
d) Electrons lost are always equal to electrons gained.
e) The half-reactions, when combined, express the overall, or net, reaction.
SQ15
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)

The anode is the

electrode where reduction occurs.
electrode where oxidation occurs.
electrode to which positive ions are attracted.
electrode to which negative ions are attracted.
positive terminal of a cell.
negative terminal of a cell

SQ16
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

The cathode is
electrode where reduction occurs.
electrode where oxidation occurs.
electrode to which positive ions are attracted.
electrode to which negative ions are attracted.
positive terminal of a cell.

SQ17
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)

In the outside circuit of an electrochemical cell, the electrons flow from the
negative terminal to the positive terminal.
positive terminal to the negative terminal.
cathode to the anode.
anode to the cathode.
electrode to which positive ions are attracted.
electrode to which negative ions are attracted.

SQ18 Negative and positive ions are respectively called:

a) anions and cations.
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b)
c)
d)
e)

cations and anions.

positrons and negatrons.
electrons and positrons.
atoms of opposite charge.

SQ19 The reactions which occur in a Cu-Ag cell are,

a) at the cathode Cu(s) Cu2+ + 2e and at the anode Ag (s) Ag+ + e
b) at the anode Cu(s) Cu2+ + 2e and at the cathode Ag (s) Ag+ + e
c) at the cathode Cu(s) Cu2+ + 2e and at the anode Ag (s) Ag+ + e
d) at the anode Cu(s) Cu2+ + 2e and at the cathode Ag (s) Ag+ + e
e) at the Cu rod Cu(s) Cu2+ + 2e and at the Ag rod Ag (s) Ag+ + e
SQ20 A cell consists of a silver rod placed in a silver nitrate solution and a copper rod placed in a
copper nitrate solution. The anode and cathode of the cell are respectively
a) the electrode where reduction occurs and the electrode where oxidation occurs.
b) the electrode where oxidation occurs and the electrode where reduction occurs.
c) the silver electrode and the copper electrode.
d) the copper electrode and the silver electrode.
e) the positive terminal of the cell and the negative terminal of the cell.
f) the negative terminal of the cell and the positive terminal of the cell.
SQ21
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

In the solutions in a cell, which is true about how ions move?

Cations move towards the cathode.
Anions move towards the electrode where oxidation takes place.
Cations move towards the anode.
Anions move towards the cathode in the wire.
Anions and cations move in opposite directions.

SQ22 A cell consists of a silver rod placed in a silver nitrate solution and a copper rod placed in a
copper nitrate solution. 12 hours after completing the circuit,
a) the voltage of the cell remains unchanged.
b) the voltage of the cell drops to zero.
c) at the copper electrode, there is a net dissolving of copper atoms; at the silver electrode, there is a net
depositing of silver atoms.
d) at the copper electrode, there is a net depositing of copper atoms; at the silver electrode, there is a net
dissolving of silver atoms.
e) a new equilibrium exists at each rod, but the concentration of silver ions is very small and the
concentration of copper ions is large.
f) a new equilibrium exists at each rod, but the concentration of copper ions is very small and the
concentration of silver ions is large.
SQ23 A hydrogen electrode is
a) a gold rod immersed in a hydrogen solution.
b) a rod of mossy platinum immersed in a 1 M acid solution.
c) a rod of mossy platinum with gaseous hydrogen being bubbled onto it, immersed in a 1M acid
solution.
d) a rod of hydrogen immersed in a hydrogen ion solution.
e) a rod of hydrogen immersed in a oxygen ion solution.
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SQ24 A hydrogen half cell is connected to a silver half cell and the circuit is completed. The reactions
that take place are
a) at the cathode Ag(s) Ag+ + e and at the anode 2H+ + 2e H2(g)
b) at the anode H2(g) 2H+ + 2e and at the cathode Ag+ + e Ag(s)
c) at the cathode H2(g) 2H+ + 2e and at the anode Ag+ + e Ag(s)
d) at the anode H2(g) + 2e 2H+ and at the cathode Ag+ + e Ag(s)
e) at the Ag rod Ag+ + e Ag(s) and at the H rod H2(g) 2H+ + 2e
SQ25 The electromotive force of a cell is
a) the potential energy stored in the cell.
b) the maximum current a cell can deliver.
c) the volts that a new cell has.
d) the energy released throughout the circuit when a coulomb of electrons passes through any one
point in the main circuit.
e) the minimum energy per coulomb a cell has.
SQ26 The standard electromotive force of a cell is
a) the voltage of the cell when each electrode is placed in 1M solution of its ions, at 25C and 1
atmosphere.
b) the voltage of the cell when each electrode is placed in 1M solution of its ions at STP.
c) the volts that a new (still unused) cell has.
d) the energy released throughout the circuit when a coulomb of electrons passes through any one point
in the main circuit.
e) the minimum energy per coulomb a cell has.
f) the total current generated by a cell divided by the mass of the electrodes.
SQ27 The representation H2(g) / H+ // Ag+ / Ag(s) , Enet = +0.80V stands for
a) a process of electrolysis where hydrogen and silver are being produced using a voltage of 0.80V.
b) the same thing as H2(g) / H+ // Ag+ / Ag(s), Enet = 0.80V
c) the same thing as Ag(s) / Ag+ // H+ / H2(g), Enet = 0.80V
d) the same thing as Ag(s) / Ag+ // H+ / H2(g), Enet = +0.80V
e) a cell in which both hydrogen is oxidized, silver is reduced, and 0.8J/C liberated.
f) a cell in which both hydrogen is reduced, silver is oxidized, and 0.8J/C liberated.
g) a cell in which the net reaction as shown runs spontaneously, producing 0.8J/C.
SQ28 Given that
Zn(s) / Zn2+ // H+ / H2(g)
Enet = +0.76V
H2(g) / H+ // Cu2+ / Cu(s)
Enet = +0.34V
Find Enet for Zn(s) / Zn2+ // Cu2+ / Cu(s)
SQ29 Which is the best definition of the standard half-cell potential E of a given half-cell? It is
a) the electromotive force E of the cell formed between this half cell and a standard hydrogen half
cell.
b) half the electromotive force E of the cell formed between this half cell and a standard hydrogen
half cell.
c) the electromotive force E of this half-cell formed when measured alone.
d) the electromotive force E of the full cell divided by 2.
e) the electromotive force E of this cell when the concentration of the solution is halved.
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SQ30 Given that: 2Ag+ + Co(s) 2Ag(s) + Co2+

Enet = 1.080 V
+
What is the effect on the Enet value if the [Ag ] was increased?
a) Enet value remains the same.
b) Enet value increases.
c) Enet value decreases.
d) Enet value increases then becomes zero.
e) Enet value drops to zero.
SQ31 Enet for the reaction below is given: Fe(s) + 2H+ Fe+2 + H2(g) Enet = +0.44 volt
Which of the following is correct?
a) If iron metal reacts with a 1 M solution of H+ ions, energy will be liberated.
b) Energy has to be supplied for iron metal to react with H+ ions.
c) Since E is positive, the reaction will be fast.
d) Only experiment can tell us whether the reaction will be slow or fast.
e) The higher the value of E net the faster the reaction will occur.
SQ32 In the reaction: Fe+3 + Cu+ Fe+2 + Cu+2
Fe+3 is a reducing agent and Cu+ is an oxidizing agent.
a) Fe+3 is an oxidizing agent and Cu+ is a reducing agent.
b) Fe+2 is an oxidizing agent and Cu+2 is a reducing agent.
c) Fe+3 is oxidized and Cu+ is reduced.
d) An oxidizing agent is itself a reducing agent.
A spontaneous reaction occurs when a piece of iron is placed in 1.0M CuSO4 (aq). The reducing agent is:
a) Fe.
b) Cu+2.
c) H2O.
d) SO4-2.
e) CuSO4.
SQ33 The oxidation number is
a) the number of atoms that are oxidized.
b) the total number of atoms that are oxidized and reduced.
c) a fictitious charge on an atom when shared electrons are counted according to certain rules.
d) the real charge on an oxidized atom or ion or molecule.
e) a number designed to tell us how much oxidation occurred.
SQ34 We redefine oxidation and reduction respectively as
a) reaction with oxygen and reaction with water.
b) an increase and a decrease in actual charge.
c) an increase and a decrease in oxidation numbers.
d) a decrease and an increase in oxidation numbers.
e) the voltage of a half-cell, first alone and then against a hydrogen half-cell.
SQ35 Which of the following reactions are redox reactions, i.e. have atoms that change oxidation
numbers? Check by finding the oxidation number of each element in the reactants and products.
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a)
b)
c)
d)

H+ + OH H2O
2H+ + CaO Ca2+ + H2O
Zn(s) + 2H+ H2(g) + Zn2+
NH3(g) + HCl(g) NH4Cl(s)

SQ36 Which of the following reactions, in which H+ oxidizes a metal, are spontaneous in an acidic
medium?
a) Zn(s) + 2H+ H2(g) + Zn2+
b) Mg(s) + 2H+ H2(g) + Mg2+
c) Cu(s) + 2H+ H2(g) + Cu2+
d) 2 Ag (s) + 2 H+ H2 (g) + 2 Ag+
SQ37
a)
b)
c)

Which of the following acids can oxidize zinc?

HCl
HNO3
H2SO4

SQ38
a)
b)
c)

Which of the following acids can oxidize copper metal?

HCl
HNO3
H2SO4

SQ39
a)
b)
c)

In which case is a gas different from hydrogen gas liberated?

HCl + Fe
HNO3 + Cu
H2SO4 + Cu

SQ40
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Electrolysis means
burning by an electric current.
fusing by an electric current.
bombarding by electrons.
separation by electricity.
breaking down into elements.

SQ41 Electroplating is
a) covering a plate with electricity.
b) making plates using electricity.
c) using electricity to cover an object with a thin layer of metal.
d) using electricity to plant teeth in patients who lost their teeth.
e) etching a plate by bombarding it with electrons.
SQ42 A dry cell is (choose all correct answers)
a) is a cell which is dried up, and when water is added to it, it will work again.
b) is a cell in which zinc turns to ions, and which delivers 1.5 volts.
c) is commonly used in flashlights and other electric devices.
d) has an outer casing which is the negative terminal and made of zinc, and a central rod which acts as
the positive terminal.
e) is the main source of power making up batteries of motor cars.
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f) is designed to be recharged many times.

SQ43 If fuel cells become widely used in motor cars, the advantage will be that
a) they cut down on the cost of fuel.
b) they will reduce the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere even if the source of the hydrogen
is fossil fuels.
c) they will reduce pollution in areas with traffic congestion, like in big cities, as the product of
combustion is pure steam.
d) they will give us more energy.
e) oxygen and hydrogen gas cylinders under high pressure in the car constitute a hazard of explosion.
SQ44 Hybrid cars run more efficiently because
a) they run on batteries.
b) they have two or more engines.
c) when the driver applies the brakes, some of the kinetic energy is stored into the battery.
d) when the car goes downhill, some of the lost potential energy is stored into the battery.
e) when the car idles, the conventional engine switches off.

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