Phase 1 Energy Transformations

Describe the energy transformations occurring in the following experiments and in each case
state what you observed which provided evidence of the energy transformations occurring.
Experiment
96: Calibration of a
calorimeter
97: Enthalpy Changes in
chemical reactions

Energy Transformations
Electrical to Chemical

101: Half-cells and the

electrochemical series

Chemical to Electrical

107: Electrolysis

Electrical to Chemical

Chemical to Thermal

Evidence
The temperature of the
water rises.
Part A and B saw the
temperature rise and
Part C saw the
temperature fall.
A voltage had been
produced through the
reaction.
A voltage was applied to
produce solids such as
Cu(s) and Pb(s).

Phase 2 Practical Linked questions

1. 96 Calibration of a calorimeter
(a) Explain perfectly insulated calorimeter containing 100 g of water should be greater than
418J/ deg.
No heat will be capable of escaping the calorimeter if it is perfectly insulated therefore the
temperature change will be a minimum, leading to a greater calibration factor and exceeding the
expected value of 418J/deg for 100g of H2O.
(b) Calibration factor for your calorimeter and what did it indicate about quality of insulation?
Our calibration factor was 323J/C indicating that the calorimeter consists of poor insulation as
heat was allowed to escape into the environment.
(c) Effect of poor insulation in calorimeter on calibration factor?
The calibration factor increases since a larger amount of energy is required to increase the
waters calorimeters by 1 degree since energy is being lost to the environment.
(d) Which calorimeter would have higher CF for same quantity of elec energy with one
containing 50 ml and the other with 100 ml of water?
CF would be greater for 50 ml one as the volume is smaller inferring an increased rate of
collisions between molecules and thereby increasing the temperature.
2. 97 Enthalpy changes
(a) Using a calorimeter for 100 ml of water with calorimeter constant of 475 J/k, reaction
between 0.235g of Mg and 100 ml of 0.5 M HCL. Max temp of 8.35. Write balanced equation and
find delta H.
Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) -> MgCl(aq) + H2(g)
mol of HCl (Mg is limiting)
Energy supplied = 8.35 X 475 = 3966.35 J

0.235/24.3 = 0.00964 mol of Mg -> 0.05

-> 3966.35/0.00964 = 410124 J = -410 KJ

(b) Explain in terms of bonding changes why dissolve potassium nitrate in water is
endothermic?
Dissolving potassium nitrate in water is an endothermic process because the hydration of the
ions when the crystal lattice dissolves doesnt provide as much energy as is needed to break up
the lattice.

3. Fuel Cells (some stuff can come up)(Hydrogen-Oxide)

(a) Half equations for fuel cell of hydrogen oxide at negative and positive electrodes.
Neg-

H2(g) + 2OH-(aq) -> 2H20(l) + 2e

Pos-

O2(g) + 2H20(l) + 4e -> 4OH-

(b) Major operating difference between fuel and electrolytic cells.

Electrolytic cells require an external source for their energy supply whereas in fuel cells, there is
constant supply of the raw materials in order for it to operate efficiently.
(c) Anode reaction in aluminium-air cell.
(i) Appropriate electrolyte = NaOH
4OH-

(ii) Cathode equation = O2(g) + 2H20(l) + 4e ->

(iii) When the cell delivers 1.5V and 4.5 A for 4 hours.. with 75% efficiency find mass.
E=VIt
1.5x4.5 x (4x60x60) = 97200 -> It = E/V
97200/1.5 -> n(e) x 0.75..

-> n(e) x F = It

-> n(e) x 96500 =

4. Half cells and electrochemical series

(i) easy

(ii) Name and formula of substance for salt bridge and 2 properties.

Potassium Nitrate (KNO3). Inert (unreactive) and balances the loss of positive and
negative charge in either
half cell with K+ going to cathode and NO3- ions going
to anode.
(iii) Construct electrochemical series = Copy reactions from table and point arrow downwards
and explain.
(iv) Conditions might voltages for electrochemical series = 1M, 25 degrees, 101.3 kPa pressure
(v) What voltage generated from Q2 and Z2+
Voltages: Z > Y , X > Z
= Cathode Anode

,X>Y ,Q>X

let Y = 0.4 V , Z = 0.54, X = 1.47 , Q = 1.83 -> E0

= 1.83 0.54 = 1.29 V

(vi) Half cell containing Fe2+ . 1,21 V generated identify other half cell and electrodes for
both.
Draw a galvanic cell / X (-0.44V) = 1.21 V -> X = 0.77 Volts which is Fe3+ with Platinum
electrode, Fe2+ with Fe elect.
5. 107 Electrolysis
(a) When doing molten questions, use liquid states, Give preference to concentrated ions.
(d) Current of 4.5 A with 1M AgNO3 and carbon electrodes at 25 degrees and 101.3 kPa. Amount
of substance in g or l that would be produced in 1.5 hours at positive electrode when cell is at
100% efficiency.
Postive Electrode Anode

2H2O(l) -> O2(g) + 4H+(aq) + 4e

24300 C = 0.25 mol of electrons

1.5 L of O2

-> 0.25/4 mol of O2 = 0.06 mol -> 0.06 = V/24.5 -> V =