CAIE A Level Chemistry 9701 · Electrochemistry

Electrochemistry: describe question

Describe7 marksChallenge

Consider the following unbalanced chemical equation.

PbX3OX4+HCl→PbClX2+ClX2+HX2O\ce{Pb3O4 + HCl -> PbCl2 + Cl2 + H2O}

In PbX3OX4\ce{Pb3O4}, lead exists in two oxidation states: +2 and +4, as indicated by the Roman numerals in the name 'lead(II,IV) oxide'. Describe the redox processes occurring in this reaction in terms of electron transfer and changes in oxidation number. In your description you should:

  • assign oxidation numbers to the elements in the reactants and products
  • identify which species are oxidised and which are reduced
  • identify the oxidising agent and the reducing agent
  • explain how the changes in oxidation numbers can be used to determine the stoichiometric coefficients for the balanced equation.

Do not include a calculation of any numerical value.

0 words · 7 marks

No account needed for your first marks. Your answer is used only to mark it.

How this question is marked

7 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 7 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.

Describe means: Say what happens or what something is like, in order and with detail. You are not being asked why. If there is data, quote it: name the trend, then give figures with units at the points where it changes.

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