SEKOLAH MENENGAH SERI TEMASIK

EXPERIMENT NOTES
SPM CHEMISTRY
5G

EXPERIMENT NO :1 DATE: 24/6/2016

TIME : 8.30a.m.-10.20 a.m.

SUBMISSION DATE: 1/7/2016

Topic/Subtopic : Redox reactions

Learning Objectives : i) To help student prepare for paper 3 for SPM

Name : _________________________________________

Class : ____________________________________

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Activity 3.1 Redox as loss and gain of oxygen

Aim: To investigate redox reaction involving oxygen.

A. Combustion of metal in oxygen

Materials: Magnesium ribbon, sandpaper, gas jar containing oxygen gas.

Apparatus: Tongs, Bunsen burner.

Procedure:

1. A piece of 5cm magnesium ribbon is cleaned with sandpaper.

2. Using a pair of tongs, the ribbon is lit and quickly placed into a gas jar filled with oxygen
gas. Observations are recorded.

Observations:

The magnesium ribbon burns with a bright flame. A white solid is formed.

Discussion:

1. Magnesium burns in oxygen to produce white solid of magnesium oxude.

Equation:
2. Magnesium gains oxygen to form magnesium oxide. Therefore, magnesium is said to be
oxidized to magnesium oxide.
3. The oxidation process is caused by oxygen gas. Thus, oxygen gas is said to act as the
oxidizing agent (oxidant).

B. Heating of metal oxide with carbon

Materials: Copper (II) oxide, carbon powder.

Apparatus: Crucible, pipe-clay triangle, tripod stand, spatula, Bunsen burner

Procedure:

1. A spatulaful of copper(II) oxide and a spatulaful carbon powder are mixed thoroughly in
a crucible.
2. The apparatus is set up as shown.
3. The mixture is heated strongly. Observations are recorded.

Observation:

1. The mixture burns brightly.

2. Brown solid is formed/ Reddish-brown globules are recorded.

Discussion:

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 1. When copper (II) oxide is heated with carbon, it produces copper which is brown in
colour.
2. The equation representing the reaction that occurs:

3. Copper(II) oxide loses its oxygen to form copper. Thus, copper(II) oxide is reduced to
copper.
4. The reduction is caused by carbon. Therefore, carbon is said to act as the reducing agent
(reductant).
5. Simultaneously, carbon gains oxygen to form carbon dioxide. Carbon is oxidized to
carbon dioxide.
6. The oxidation of carbon is caused by copper(II) oxide. So, copper (II) oxide acts as the
oxidizing agent (oxidant).

Conclusion:

1. In the combustion of metal in oxygen, the metal is oxidized by oxygen to metal oxide.
2. In the heating of metal oxide with carbon, the metal oxide is reduced by carbon to metal.
Simultaneously, carbon is oxidized by the metal oxide to carbon dioxide.

Activity 3.2 Change of iron(II) to iron(III)ions and vice versa

Aim: To investigate oxidation and reduction in the change of iron(II) to iron(III) and vice versa.

Materials: 0.5 mol dm-3 freshly prepared iron(II) sulphate solution, 0.5 mol dm-3 iron(III) sulphate
solution, bromine water, zinc powder, 2.0 mol dm-3 sodium hydroxide solution, filter paper.

Apparatus: Dropper, spatula, test tubes, test tube holder, Bunsen burner, filter funnel, test tube
rack.

A. Changing of iron(II) ions to iron (III) ions

Procedure:

1. 2cm3 of 0.5 moldm-3 iron (II) sulphate solution is poured into a test tube.
2. Using a dropper, bromine water is added to the solution drop by drop.
3. The test tube is warmed gently.
4. 2.0 mol dm-3 sodium hydroxide solution is added slowly to the mixture until in excess.
5. Observations are recorded.

Observations:

Reagent Observations
Bromine water

Sodium hydroxide solution

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Discussion:

1. Bromine water oxidises iron(II) ions, to iron (III) ions. The presence of iron(III) ions is
confirmed by the formation of brown precipitate with sodium hydroxide solution.
Fe2+ ions lose their electrons and are oxidized to Fe3+ ions.
Oxidation half equation:

2. Bromine molecules, which give the bromine water its brown colour, gain the electrons
and are reduced to colourless bromide ions, Br- ion. This explains why the bromine water
is decolourised.
Reduction half-equation:

In this reaction, bromine water acts as the oxidizing agent, whereas Fe2+ ions act as the
reducing agent.

Overall ionic equation:

B. Changing of iron(III) ions to iron(II) ions

Procedure:

1. 2cm3 of 0.5 mol dm-3 iron (III) sulphate solution is poured into a test tube.
2. Half a spatula of zinc powder is added to the solution. The mixture is shaken.
3. The mixture is then filtered.
4. 2.0 mol dm-3 sodium hydroxide solution is added slowly to the filtrate until in excess.
5. Observations are recorded.

Observations:

Reagent Observations
Zinc powder

Sodium hydroxide solution

Discussion:

1. Zinc powder reduces iron (III) ions, Fe3+ to iron (II) ions, Fe2+. The presence of Fe2+ ions
are confirmed by the formation of green precipitate with sodium hydroxide solution.
2. Zinc atoms lose their electrons and are oxidized to zinc ions, Zn2+. This explains why
zinc powder dissolves in iron(III) sulphate solution.
Oxidation half equation:
3. Fe3+ ions accept these electrons and are reduced to Fe2+ ions.
Reduction half-equation:
4. In this reaction, Fe3+ ions act as the oxidizing agent, whereas zinc acts as the reducing
agent.
Overall ionic equation:

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Conclusion:

1. Bromine water acts as an oxidizing agent, changing iron(II) ions to iron(III) ions.
2. Zinc acts as a reducing agent, changing iron (III) ions to iron (II) ions.

Activity 3.3: Displacement of metals

Aim: To investigate oxidation and reduction in the displacement of metals.

Materials: Zinc strip, copper strip, 0.5 mol dm-3 copper(II) sulphate solution, 0.1 mol dm-3 silver
nitrate solution, sandpaper.

Apparatus: Test tubes, test tube rack.

Procedure:

1. 2cm3 of 0.5 mol dm-3 copper(II) sulphate solution and 2cm3 of 0.1 mol dm-3 silver nitrate
solution are poured into two separate test tubes.
2. A strip of zinc and a strip of copper are cleaned with sandpaper. The strips are then
dropped into the test tubes as shown.
3. Any change in colour and whether any metal is deposited are observed.

Observation:

Test tube containing Observations

Copper(II) sulphate
solution and zinc strip
Silver nitrate solution
and copper strip

Discussion:

1. In test tube containing copper(II) sulphate solution and zinc, zinc displaces copper from
its salt solution.
(a) Zinc is more electropositive than copper. Zinc acts as the reducing agent by losing
electrons to form zinc ions.
Zinc is oxidized. This explains why the zinc strip dissolves.
Oxidation half equation:
(b) The electrons are accepted by copper (II) ions in the solution. Copper(II) ions act as
the oxidizing agent and are reduced to metallic copper. The brown solid deposited in
test tube is copper metal.
Reduction half-equation:
(c) The number of copper(II) ions in the solution decreases. This causes the blue colour
of the solution to fade and slowly change to colourless.
Overall ionic equation:
2. In test tube containing silver nitrate solution and copper, copper displaces silver from its
salt solution.

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 a) Copper is more electropositive than silver. Copper acts as the reducing agent by
losing electrons to form copper(II) ions. So, copper is oxidized. This explains why
the copper strip dissolves.
Oxidation half-equation:

b) The number of copper(II) ions in the solution increases. This causes the solution to
slowly change colour from colourless to blue.
c) The electrons are accepted by silver ions in the solution. Thus, silver ions act as the
oxidizing agent and are reduced to silver.
Reduction half equation:
Overall ionic equation:

Conclusion:

1. A more electropositive metal can displace a less electropositive metal from its salt
solution whereby the more electropositive metal acts as the reducing agent and the ions of
the less electropositive metal act as the oxidizing agent.

Activity 3.4 Displacement of halogen

Aim: To investigate the oxidation and reduction in displacement of halogen.

Materials: Chlorine water, bromine water, iodine solution, 0.5 mol dm-3 potassium chloride
solution, 0.5 mol dm-3 potassium bromide solution, 0.5 mol dm-3 potassium iodide solution, 1,1,1-
trichloromethane

Apparatus: Test tubes, test tube rack.

Procedure:

1. 2cm3 of 0.5 mol dm-3 potassium bromide is poured into a test tube.
2. 2cm3 of chlorine water is added to the test tube and the mixture is shaken thoroughly.
3. 2cm3 of 1, 1, 1- trichloroethane is added to the mixture. The mixture is shaken
thoroughly.
4. After a few seconds, the colours of the aqueous and the 1, 1, 1 trichloroethane layers
are observed.
5. Steps 1 to 4 are repeated using the halogens and halide solutions as shown in the table.

Results:

Mixture Colour of aqueous Colour of 1, 1, 1 Inferences

layer tichloroethane layer
Chlorine+potassium
bromide
Chlorine+ potassium
iodide
Bromine_potassium
chloride

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 Iodine+potassium
chloride
Iodine+potassium
bromide

Discussion:

1. The results can be summarized as follows.

Chlorine Bromine Iodine
Halogen
Halide solution
Potassium chloride
Potassium bromide
Potassium iodide
A tick shows that a displacement of halogen has taken place, whereas a cross X shows
that there is no displacement of halogen.

2. Chlorine is more electronegative than bromine and iodine. Therefore,

a) Chlorine displaces bromine from potassium bromide solution. Chlorine acts as the
oxidizing agent, whereas bromide ions act as the reducing agent.
Oxidation half equation:
Reduction half-equation:
Overall ionic equation:
b) Chlorine displaces iodine from potassium iodide solution. Chlorine acts as the
oxidizing agent, whereas iodide ions act as the reducing agent.
Oxidation half equation:
Reduction half equation:
Overall ionic equation:
3. a) Bromine is less electronegative than chlorine. Therefore, bromine cannot displace
chlorine from potassium chloride solution.
b) Bromine is more electronegative than iodine. Therefore, bromine displaces iodine
from potassium iodide solution. Bromine acts as the oxidizing agent, whereas iodide
ions act as the reducing agent.
Oxidation half equation:
Reduction half equation:
Overall ionic equation:
4. Iodine is less electronegative than chlorine and bromine. Therefore,
a) Iodine cannot displace chlorine from potassium chloride solution.
b) Iodine cannot displace bromine from potassium bromide solution.

Conclusion:

A more electronegative halogen can displace a less electronegative halogen from its halide
solution whereby the more electronegative halogen acts as the oxidizing agent and the halide ions
of less electronegative halogen acts as the reducing agent.

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Experiment 3.1 : The effect of other metals on rusting

Aim: To investigate the effect of other metals on rusting.

Problem statement: How do different types of metals in contact with iron affect rusting?

Hypothesis: When a more electropositive metal is in contact with iron, the metal inhibits (to slow
down) rusting. When a less electropositive metal is in contact with iron, the less electropositive
metal speeds up rusting of iron.

Variables:

a) Manipulated variable: Different metals in contact with iron

b) Responding variable: Presence of blue colouration.
c) Controlled variables: Clean iron nails, medium in which iron nails are kept, temperature

Operational definition:

Blue colouration indicates rusting of iron

Materials: Iron nails, magnesium ribbon, copper strip, zinc strip, tin strip, hot jelly solution
containing a little potassium hexacyanoferrate (III) solution and phenolphthalein, sandpaper

Apparatus: Test tubes, test tube rack.

I II III IV V

Investigating the effect on iron when it is in contact with other metals

Procedure:

1. All five iron nails, magnesium ribbon, strips of copper, zinc and tin are cleaned with
sandpaper.
2. Four iron nails are coiled tightly with magnesium ribbon, strips of copper, zinc and tin
each.
3. All give iron nails are placed in five separate test tubes as shown in the figure.
4. The same amount of hot jelly solution containing potassium hexacyanoferrate (III)
solution and phenolphthalein indicator is poured into the test tubes to completely cover
all the nails.
5. The test tubes are kept in a test tube rack and left aside for a day.
6. Any changes are observed.

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Potassium hexacyanofferate(III) solution is poisonous. Thus, the hot jelly solution should be
handled with care.

Results:

Test Pair of Intensity of dark Pink Gas Inference regarding rusting

tube metals blue colouration colouration bubbles
I Fe only Low Present Nil
II Fe+Mg None Present Plenty
III Fe+Cu Very high Present Few
IV Fe+Zn None Present Plenty
V Fe+Sn High Present Few

Discussion:

1. a. Potass ium hexacyanoferrate(III) is used to detect the presence of

_________________.
During rusting, iron(II) ions are produced. These ions form dark blue colouration with
potassium hexacyanoferrate(III). The more iron(II) ions are produced, the higher the
intensitiy of the dark blue colouration.

b. Phenophthalein is used to detect the presence of ________________. During the

corrosion of a metal, oxygen is reduced to hydroxide ions, thus giving rise to basic
condition. The hydroxide ions give pink colouration with phenolphthalein.

2. The jelly is used to enable us see the blue and pink colourations clearly as diffusion occurs
slowly in a solid state. Otherwise the blue and pink colourations are mixed up and difficult to
distinguish.

3. Sometimes, the pink colouration is not clear as the hydroxide ions formed immediately
combine with the metal ions. Thus, not many free hydroxide ions are present in the jelly.

4. Test tube I acts as a control to study the effect of other metals on the rusting of iron. In the
presence of oxygen and water, the rusting of iron occurs. Iron is ___________ to form
______________ by ____________ electrons. Oxygen ____________ electrons and is reduced
to ____________. Fe (s) ->

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

Fe2+ ions react with ___________________ to produce a dark blue precipitate.

__________________ does not produce pink colour because the OH- produced react with Fe2+
ions to form iron(II) hydroxide.

5. Test tube II (Fe/Mg)

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a) Magnesium is more ____________ than iron. This means that magnesium can lose its electron
more readily than iron. Therefore, magnesium is oxidized to produce _____________ by losing
______________. Magnesium acts as the anode.

Mg(s) ->

b) The electrons flow to iron and prevent it from forming iron(II) ions. Iron acts as the cathode.
At the cathode, the electrons are gained by oxygen. Thus, oxygen is reduced to hydroxide ions
which give ___________ colouration with phenolphthalein.

O2(g) +

c) Dark blue colouration does not appear in test-tube I. This implies that __________ are not
produced, that is iron does not _____________.

6. Test tube III (Fe/Cu)

a) Iron is __________________ than copper. This means that iron can lose its electrons more
readily than copper. Therefore, iron is oxidize to produce ___________ by losing __________.
Iron acts as the __________.

Fe(s) ->

b) Since iron and copper have a large difference in electropositivity, the rusting of iron occurs
very quickly, producing a large amount of iron (II) ions. This explains the high intensity of blue
colouration in this test tube.

c) The electrons flow to ____________ which acts as the cathode. At the cathode, the electrons
are gained by oxygen, thus oxygen is reduced to ______________. The presence of hydroxide
ions is indicated by the ____________ colouration with _____________.

7. Test tube IV (Fe/Zn) (similar to test tube II)

8. Test tube V (Fe/Sn) (similar to test tube III)

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The rate of rusting in test tube V is lower than that in test tube III as the difference in
electropositivity between iron and tin is smaller than the difference in electropositivity between
iron and copper.

9. Conclusion

a) Rusting is inhibited when iron is in contact with a more electropositive metal.

b) Rusting is speeded up when iron is in contact with a electropositive metal.

Activity 3.5 Reactivity of metal with oxygen

Aim: To investigate the reactivity of metals with oxygen

Materials: Magnesium powder, zinc powder, iron fillings, lead powder, copper powder, solid
potassium manganite (VII), asbestos paper, glass wool

Apparatus: Boiling tube, retort stand and clamp, Bunsen burner, spatula, foceps.

Procedure:

1. Two spatulas of solid potassium manganite (VII) is put into a boiling tube.
2. Some glass wool is placed into the test tube to prevent potassium manganite (VII) from
spilling over. The test tube is clamped horizontally as shown in the figure.
3. One spatula of magnesium powder is placed on a piece of asbestos paper and is put into
the tube.
4. The magnesium powder is heated strongly. Then, the solid potassium manganite (VII) is
heated. The intensity of the flame or glow and the colour of the residue when it is hot
and when it is cold are observed.
5. Steps 1 to 4 are repeated using zinc powder, iron fillings, lead powder and copper
powder, one at a time, in place of magnesium powder.

Investigating the reactivity of metals with oxygen

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Results:

Metal Observation Inference

Magnesium

Zinc

Iron

Lead

Copper

Discussion:

1. When solid potassium manganite (VII) is heated, it decomposes to give out oxygen gas.
2KMnO4 (s)-> K2MnO4(s) + MnO2 (s)+ O2(g)

2. Other than solid potassium manganite (VII), oxygen gas can also be provided by :
Heating a mixture of potassium chlorate (V) with manganese (IV) oxide as:
2KClO3(s) -> 2KCl(s) + 3O2(g)
Heating potassium nitrate, 2KNO3(s) -> 2KNO2(s) + O2(g)
3. The glass wool seperates the metal powder from the solid potassium manganite (VII). If
the substances are mixed, they will explode when heated.
4. Based on the intensity of the flame/glow or the vigour of the reactions, the metals can be
arranged according to their reactivity with oxygen.

Mg, Zn, Fe, Pb, Cu

Decrease in reactivity with oxygen.

5. The following equations represent the reactions between the metals and oxygen.

Equation Colour

Conclusion:

The descending order of reactivity of metals with oxygen is

Mg, Zn, Fe, Pb, Cu

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Activity 3.6 Position of carbon in the reactivity series

Aim: To determine the position of carbon in the reactivity series of metal.

Materials: Carbon powder, solid copper (II) oxide, solid magnesium oxide, solid aluminium
oxide, solid zinc oxide.
Apparatus: Crucible, spatula, Bunsen burner, pipe-clay triangle, tripod stand.

Procedure:

1. A spatula of carbon powder and a spatula of solid copper(II) oxide are mixed thoroughly
in a crucible.
2. The apparatus is set up as shown in the figure.
3. The mixture is heated strongly. Any changes that occur are observed.
4. Steps 1 to 3 are repeated using solid zinc oxide, solid aluminium oxide and solid
magnesium oxide one at a time, in place of solid copper(II) oxide.

Heating a mixture of carbon and metal oxide

Results:

Mixture Observation Inference

Carbon + copper (II) oxide

Carbon + zinc oxide

Carbon + aluminium oxide

Carbon + magnesium oxide

Discussion:

1. Carbon is more reactive than copper and zinc. Therefore, carbon can reduce copper(II)
oxide and zinc oxide to their respective metals.
C(s) + CuO (s) ->
C(s) + ZnO (s) ->
2. Carbon is less reactive than aluminium and magnesium. Thus, carbon is unable to reduce
aluminium oxide and magnesium oxide.

Conclusion:

The position of carbon is between aluminium and zinc in the reactivity series of metals.

K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, C, Zn, Fe, Sn, Pb, Cu, Hg, Ag, Au

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Activity 3.7 Position of hydrogen in the reactivity series of metals.

Aim: To determine the position of hydrogen in the reactivity series of metals.

Materials: 2 mol dm-3 sulphuric acid, 1 mol dm-3 copper (II) sulphate solution, zinc granules, solid
copper (II) oxide, solid zinc oxide, solid lead (II) oxide, solid iron (III) oxide, anhydrous calcium
chloride.

Apparatus: Combustion tube, porcelain dish, flat-bottomed flask, U-tube, thistle funnel, delivery
tubes, Bunsen burner, retort stand and clamps, stoppers with one hole, stopper with two holes

Heating metal oxide in hydrogen gas

Procedure:

1. A spatula of solid copper (II) oxide is placed in a porcelain dish.

2. The porcelain dish is placed in a combustion tube and the tube is clamped horizontally.
3. The apparatus is set up as shown in the figure.
4. Dry halogen gas is passed through the combustion tube for 5 to 10 minutes to remove all
the air in the tube.
5. A sample of gas is collected from the small hole at the end of the combustion tube.
6. A lighted splinter is inserted into a test tube containing hydrogen gas, No pop sound is
heard, then all the air has been totally removed from the combustion tube.
7. The excess hydrogen gas that comes out of the end of the combustion tube is lighted.
8. Solid copper (II) oxide is strongly heated. Any change is observed. The flow of
hydrogen gas should be continuous throughout the experiment.
9. Steps 1 to 9 are repeated using solid zinc oxide, solid lead (II) oxide and solid iron (III)
oxide, one at a time, in place of solid copper (II) oxide.

Results

Mixture Observation Inference

Hydrogen + copper(II) oxide

Hydrogen + zinc oxide

Hydrogen + lead (II) oxide

Hydrogen + iron (II) oxide

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Discussion:

1. Hydrogen gas is produced when the zinc granules react with sulphuric acid with the
presence of copper (II) sulphate solution as a catalyst.

The hydrogen gas produced is dried by passing it through anhydrous calcium chloride.
Another drying agent that can be used is concentrated sulphuric acid.

2. The following precautions must be taken to prevent any explosion from happening.
a) All connections to delivery tubes and stoppers should be tight.
b) All the air in the combustion tube must be removed before lighting up the hydrogen
gas that comes out of the end of the combustion tube/heating. Otherwise, a mixture
of hydrogen and air will explode when lighted.
c) The flow of hydrogen gas should be continuous throughout the experiment.

3. Hydrogen is more reactive than copper, lead and iron. Therefore, hydrogen can reduce
copper (II) oxide, lead (II) oxide and iron (III) oxide to their respective metals.

Hydrogen is less reactive than zinc. Therefore, hydrogen is unable to reduce zinc oxide.

Conclusion:
Hydrogen is positioned between zinc and iron in the reactivity series of metals.
K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, C, Zn, H, Fe, Sn, Pb, Cu, Hg, Ag, Au

Activity 3.8 Oxidation and reduction in electrolytic cells

Aim: To investigate the oxidation and reduction in electrolytic cells.

Materials: Solid lead(II) bromide, 1 mol dm-3 potassium iodide solution, 1% starch
solution, sandpaper, wooden splinter

Apparatus: Crucible, cardboard, battery, connecting wires with crocodile clips, tripod
stand, Bunsen burner, pipe-clay triangle, electrolytic cell, carbon electrodes, switch,
ammeter, small test tubes, beaker, tongs.

Procedure:

A. Electrolytic cell involving molten electrolyte

1. A crucible is half-filled with solid lead(II) bromide.
2. The apparatus is set up as shown in the figure.
3. The solid lead (II) bromide is heated until it is completely melted.
4. The switch is turned on to allow electricity to pass through the molten lead (II)
bromide for about 20 minutes. Any changes are observed.
5. After 20 minutes, the switch is turned off and both electrodes are carefully poured
into a beaker using tongs. The products left at the bottom of the crucible is observed.

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 Electrolysis of molten lead (II) bromide

B. Electrolytic cell involving aqueous electrolyte

1. An electrolytic cell is half-filled with 0.5 mol dm-3 potassium iodide solution.
2. The apparatus is set up as shown in the figure.
3. The switch is turned on to allow electricity to pass through the electrolyte for 15
minutes. Any changes at the anode and cathode are observed.
4. The product at the anode is tested with 1% starch solution while the gas collected at
the cathode is tested with a lighted wooden splinter.

Electrolysis of potassium iodide solution

Results:

A. Electrolytic cell involving molten electrolyte

Electrode Observation Inference

Anode
Cathode

B. Electrolytic cell involving aqueous electrolyte

Electrode Observation Inference

Anode
Cathode

Discussion

1. In the electrolysis of molten lead (II) bromide:

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 a) Molten lead (II) bromide contains ______________________________________.
b) ________________________ move to the cathode while _______move to the anode.
c) At the anode, ___________ lose electrons to become bromine molecules. Thus, Br- ions
undergo __________. Bromine ions act as reducing agent.
Oxidation half-equation:
d) At the cathode: _____________ accept electrons to become metallic lead. Thus, Pb2+
ions undergo __________. Lead (II) ions act as oxidizing agent.
Reduction half equation:

e) Hence, electrons are transferred from __________, the reducing agent, at the anode to
_____________, the oxidizing agent at the cathode.
The overall equation is as follows:
Pb + 2Br- (l) -> Pb (s) + Br2 (g)

2. In the electrolysis of potassium iodide solution:

a) Potassium iodide solution contains ___________________________________
b) Hydrogen ions and potassium ions move to the ________________ while hydroxide ions
and iodide ions move to the _____________.
c) At the anode, ____________ are selectively discharged because of their high
concentration in the electrolyte. Iodide ions lose electrons to become iodine molecules.
In other words, Iodide ions undergo ___________. Iodide ions act as _______________.
Oxidation half equation:

d) At the cathode, hydrogen ions are selectively discharged because their position in the
electrochemical series is ___________ than potassium ions. Hydrogen ions
___________ electrons to become hydrogen molecules. In other words, hydrogen ions
undergo ________________. Hydrogen ions act as ______________________.
The overall ionic equation is as follows. H+ (aq) + 2I- (aq) -> H2 (g) + I2 (aq)

Conclusion:

In an electrolytic cell, oxidation occurs at the anode (positive electrode) while reduction occurs at
the cathode (negative electrode).

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Activity 3.9 Oxidation and reduction of chemical cells

Aim: To investigate the oxidation and reduction in chemical cells.

Materials: 1 mol dm-3 copper(II) sulphate solution, 1 mol dm-3 zinc sulphate solution, copper
plate, zinc plate, sandpaper.

Apparatus: Porous pot, voltmeter, connecting wires with crocodile clips, beaker

Procedure:

1. Zinc sulphate solution is poured into a porous pot until three quarters full.
2. The porous pot is placed in a beaker.
3. Copper (II) sulphate solution is poured into the beaker until its level is the same as that of
the solution in the porous pot.
4. A copper plate and a zinc plate are cleaned with sandpaper.
5. The zinc plate and copper plate are immersed into zinc nitrate solution and copper (II)
nitrate solution respectively.
6. The two plates are connected through the connecting wire as shown in the figure.
7. The set-up of apparatus is left aside for 20 minutes. Any changes are observed.

Investigating the oxidation and reduction in chemical cell

Observations:

1. The voltmeter shows a reading

2. The deflection of the indicator of the voltmeter indicates that electric current flows from
the copper plate to the zinc plate.
3. The intensity of the blue colour of the copper(II) sulphate solution decreases withtime.
4. Brown solid is deposited on the copper plate.
5. The zinc plates become thinner.

Discussion:

1. Since electric current flows from the copper plate to the zinc plate, it is inferred that
electrons flow from the zinc plate to the copper plate.
Note: by convention, electron flow in the opposite direction of electric current
2. This means that the zinc plate becomes the negative terminal while the copper plate
becomes the positive terminal.

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 3. a) Zinc is more electropositive than copper. In other words, zinc can lose its electrons
more readily than copper.
b) Therefore, zinc acts as the reducing agent, losing electrons to form zinc ions, Zn2+.
This explains why the zinc plate becomes thinner.
At anode, oxidation half-equation:
c) The accumulated electrons caused the zinc plate to become the negative terminal
d) By losing its electrons, zinc undergoes oxidation. Thus, the zinc plate also serves as
the anodes.

4. The accumulated electrons then flow out of the zinc plate through the connecting wires to the
copper plate. This makes the copper plate the positive termina.

5. At the positive terminal, copper (II) ions from the electrolyte act as the oxidizing agent by
accepting electrons. By doing so, Copper ions are reduced to metallic copper.

At the cathode, reduction half equations:

6. As reduction occurs at the copper plate, the copper plate is said to serve as the cathode.
7. a) Due to the decrease in concentration of Cu2+ ions in the solution, the intensity of the
blue colour of the copper(II) sulphate solution slowly decreases.

b) Metallic copper that is produced forms a brown layer around the palte.

8. In this chemical cell, electrons flow from zinc, the reducing agent at the anode or negative
terminal, to Cu2+ ions, the oxidizing agent at the cathode or positive terminal.

Conclusion:

In a chemical cell, oxidation occurs at the anode (negative terminal) while reduction occurs at the
cathode (positive terminal).

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