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Edexcel GCSE Chemistry

Topic questions Chemical changes Oxidation & reduction in terms of electrons

Oxidation & reduction in terms of electrons

15 questions · 161 marks · about 3 hours

Oxidation and reduction in terms of electrons questions

Edexcel 1CH0 Oxidation and reduction in terms of electrons 15 questions

Paper 1 June 2025 Foundation tier, Question 6 12 marks

Also involves Quantitative chemistry

Figure 11 shows part of the reactivity series of metals.

Figure for question 6
(a)

The method used to extract a metal from its ore is related to the metal’s position in the reactivity series.

(a)(i)

Which metal is found in the Earth’s crust as an uncombined element?

Question 6, shown as an image
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(a)(i)
(a)(ii)

Name one metal in Figure 11 that is normally extracted by electrolysis.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(a)(ii)
(b)

25 000 kg of an ore of iron was found to contain 10 050 kg of iron.

Calculate the percentage of iron in this ore of iron.

Question 6, shown as an image

percentage of iron in ore =........

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(b)
(c)

When copper oxide is heated with carbon, the products are copper and carbon dioxide.

(c)(i)

Write the word equation for this reaction.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(c)(i)
(c)(ii)

In this reaction, copper oxide loses oxygen.

State the type of reaction when copper oxide loses oxygen.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(c)(ii)
(c)(iii)

In one reaction, 159.0 g of copper oxide was heated with excess carbon to produce 127.0 g of copper.

Use this information to calculate the mass of copper formed, in g, when 238.5 g of copper oxide is reacted with excess carbon.

mass of copper =........ g

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(c)(iii)
(c)(iv)

State why this reaction with copper oxide uses excess carbon.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(c)(iv)
(d)

A solution of zinc sulfate was made by dissolving 23.8 g of the compound in water and was made up to a total volume of 250 cm3 with water.

Calculate the concentration of this solution in g dm–3.

Question 6, shown as an image

Give your answer to 2 significant figures.

concentration =........ g dm–3

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(d)

Paper 1 June 2024 Higher tier, Question 5 9 marks

This question is about the extraction of metals.

(a)

Give two advantages of obtaining metals by recycling rather than by extracting them from their metal ores.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5(a)
(b)
(b)(i)

Small amounts of some metals are extracted using displacement reactions.

In one process, zinc dust is used to precipitate cadmium metal from a solution containing cadmium ions.

Question 5, shown as an image

cadmium ions cadmium

Explain why this displacement reaction can be described as a redox reaction.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

The formula of the cadmium ion is Cd2+. The formula of the phosphate ion is PO43–.

Which is the formula of cadmium phosphate?

Question 5, shown as an image
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5(b)(ii)
(c)

One of the alternative biological methods of extracting metals from very low‑grade ores is bioleaching using bacteria.

Give one disadvantage of this method of extracting metals from low‑grade ores.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5(c)
(d)

Lead is low in the reactivity series.

Describe how to obtain a sample of lead from some lead oxide in the laboratory.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5(d)

Paper 2 June 2024 Higher tier, Question 9 13 marks

The elements in group 7 of the periodic table are the halogens.

(a)

Which row shows the colour and physical state of iodine at room temperature?

Figure for question 9
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(a)
(b)

Iron wool is heated with bromine vapour as shown in Figure 12.

Figure for question 9

At the end of the reaction, a solid forms at the top of the test tube.

Identify the solid.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(b)
(c)

Aluminium reacts with bromine.

Write the balanced equation for the reaction between aluminium and bromine.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(c)
(d)
(d)(i)

*(d) (i) The order of reactivity of the halogens can be found by displacement reactions.

A student was provided with

• solutions of bromine, chlorine and iodine

• solutions of sodium bromide, sodium chloride and sodium iodide.

Describe experiments the student could carry out using these solutions to find the order of reactivity of bromine, chlorine and iodine, explaining how the results would show the order of reactivity.

You should use equations to support your answer.

[6]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(d)(i)
(d)(ii)

Explain why the displacement reactions of halogens are redox reactions.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(d)(ii)

Paper 1 June 2023 Higher tier, Question 8 11 marks

Also involves Reactions of acids

Crystals of copper sulfate are prepared by reacting copper oxide, a base, with dilute sulfuric acid.

(a)

Name the other product of this reaction.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 8(a)
(b)

During the experiment, a spatula measure of copper oxide, a black powder, is added to warm, dilute sulfuric acid in a beaker.

When the mixture is stirred, the black powder disappears and the mixture turns pale blue.

The student then adds more copper oxide until the maximum amount of copper sulfate is formed without wasting copper oxide.

Explain how the student knows when to stop adding copper oxide.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 8(b)
(c)

The reaction produces an aqueous solution of copper sulfate.

What is the best way to obtain crystals of copper sulfate from an aqueous solution?

Question 8, shown as an image
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 8(c)
(d)

When some water is removed from the aqueous solution of copper sulfate, crystals of copper sulfate are made.

Describe how the arrangement and movement of the particles change as crystals are formed from a solution.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 8(d)
(e)

In this reaction, copper oxide, CuO, forms copper sulfate, CuSO4.

Explain, in terms of electrons, whether the copper in copper oxide has been oxidised, has been reduced, or has not been oxidised or reduced.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 8(e)
(f)

In another experiment, a copper sulfate solution with a concentration of 39.875 g dm–3 is used.

Calculate the mass of copper sulfate dissolved in 0.300 dm3 of this solution.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 8(f)

Paper 1 June 2022 Higher tier, Question 6 9 marks

The method used to extract a metal from its ore depends on the position of the metal in the reactivity series.

(a)

Aluminium is extracted from its ore by electrolysis.

Explain why this method is used to extract aluminium from its ore.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(a)
(b)(i)

One step in the extraction of titanium metal involves the displacement reaction between titanium chloride, TiCl4, and magnesium.

Question 6, shown as an image

This equation can be simplified as

Question 6, shown as an image

Explain why this displacement reaction can be described as a redox reaction.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

The formula of the sulfate ion is SO2−4.

Which of the following is the formula of titanium sulfate containing the Ti4+ ion?

Question 6, shown as an image
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(b)(ii)
(c)

Phytoextraction is an alternative biological method that can be used to extract metals from very low-grade ores.

Give one disadvantage of phytoextraction as a method of extraction of metals.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(c)
(d)

Copper is low down in the reactivity series and can be obtained from copper oxide.

Devise a simple method to obtain a sample of copper from copper oxide in the laboratory.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(d)

Paper 2 June 2022 Higher tier, Question 6 10 marks

The elements in group 7 of the periodic table are known as the halogens.

(a)

Name the halogen that is in period 4 of the periodic table.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(a)
(b)

Explain why chlorine is more reactive than iodine.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(b)
(c)

A piece of burning sodium is placed into a gas jar containing chlorine gas, as shown in Figure 9.

Figure for question 6

At the end of the reaction, the inside of the gas jar is coated with white crystals.

Identify the white crystals.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(c)
(d)

Sodium also reacts with bromine.

(d)(i)

Write the balanced equation for the reaction between sodium and bromine.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(d)(i)
(d)(ii)

In another experiment, a student adds colourless sodium bromide solution to chlorine water.

State what you would see in this reaction.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(d)(ii)
(d)(iii)

The ionic equation for the reaction between sodium bromide and chlorine is:

Question 6, shown as an image

Explain which species has been oxidised in this reaction.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(d)(iii)

Paper 1 November 2021 Foundation tier, Question 4 9 marks

(a)

When chromium reacts with oxygen, chromium oxide is formed.

(a)(i)

Write the word equation for this reaction.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 4(a)(i)
(a)(ii)

What type of reaction occurs when chromium reacts with oxygen?

Question 4, shown as an image
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 4(a)(ii)
(a)(iii)

Calculate the relative formula mass of chromium oxide, Cr2O3.

(relative atomic masses: O = 16, Cr = 52)

relative formula mass =........

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 4(a)(iii)
(b)

Three different metals are added to separate test tubes of acid.

The observations are shown in Figure 4.

metalobservation
silverno change is seen
ironvery slow bubbling
magnesiumsteady bubbling
Question 4, shown as an image
(b)(i)

Place the metals in order of reactivity from most to least reactive.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 4(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

Hydrogen is given off when magnesium reacts with acid. The hydrogen is tested by collecting the gas in a test tube and igniting it.

What is the safest way to ignite the gas?

Question 4, shown as an image
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 4(b)(ii)
(b)(iii)

State the observation made in this test that shows that the gas is hydrogen.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 4(b)(iii)
(c)

Iron is extracted by heating iron oxide with carbon. Electrolysis of molten iron oxide is not used to extract iron.

(c)(i)

State why iron can be extracted by heating iron oxide with carbon.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 4(c)(i)
(c)(ii)

State why electrolysis is not used to extract iron.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 4(c)(ii)

Paper 1 November 2020 Foundation tier, Question 6 11 marks

Some metals are found in the Earth’s crust as uncombined elements. Reactive metals are found in ores.

In ores, metals are combined with other elements.

(a)

Which of these metals is found as the uncombined element in the Earth’s crust?

Question 6, shown as an image
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(a)
(b)

Give two advantages of recycling metals rather than extracting metals from their ores.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(b)
(c)

An ore of iron is mostly iron oxide, Fe2O3. Iron can be extracted from this iron oxide by heating it with carbon.

Balance this equation for the reaction that takes place.

Question 6, shown as an image
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(c)
(d)

Most copper ores are described as low grade. This means that the percentage of copper in the ore is very small.

5000 kg of one copper ore was found to contain 42.5 kg of copper.

Calculate the percentage of copper in this ore.

percentage of copper in ore =........

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(d)
(e)

In one stage of the extraction of lead from its ore, lead oxide is heated strongly with carbon.

The equation for the reaction is

Explain, using this equation, which substance has been oxidised in this reaction.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(e)
(f)

A titanium ore was analysed and found to contain 12 g of titanium atoms combined with 8.0 g of oxygen atoms.

Calculate the empirical formula of this titanium compound. (relative atomic masses: Ti = 48, O = 16)

You must show your working.

empirical formula =........

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(f)

Paper 1 November 2020 Higher tier, Question 6 11 marks

Titanium and iron are examples of transition metals.

(a)

Figure 6 shows the percentage abundance of each isotope in a sample of titanium.

Figure for question 6

Calculate the relative atomic mass of titanium in this sample.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(a)
(b)

Iron, when heated in air, reacts with oxygen to form iron oxide.

(b)(i)

This reaction is an example of

Question 6, shown as an image
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

The equipment shown in Figure 7 can be used to find the mass of oxygen that combines with iron.

Figure for question 6

Describe how the equipment shown in Figure 7 could be used to find the mass of oxygen that combines with 0.500 g of iron wool in a crucible and lid of known mass.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(b)(ii)
(c)

2.24 g of iron combines with 0.96 g of oxygen to form an oxide of iron.

Determine the formula of this oxide of iron and use it to complete the balanced equation.

(relative atomic masses: Fe = 56.0, O = 16.0)

You must show your working.

balanced equation for the reaction is

Question 6, shown as an image
[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(c)

Paper 2 November 2020 Higher tier, Question 6 9 marks

(a)

Sodium thiosulfate solution, Na2S2O3, reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid.

Question 6, shown as an image
(a)(i)

When dilute hydrochloric acid is mixed with sodium thiosulfate solution, the mixture turns cloudy.

Explain why the mixture turns cloudy.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(a)(i)
(a)(ii)

In an investigation, different concentrations of hydrochloric acid are reacted with sodium thiosulfate solution. The mixture goes cloudy at different rates.

Describe how the rate at which the mixture goes cloudy can be measured.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(a)(ii)
(a)(iii)

You are provided with some dilute hydrochloric acid which has a concentration of 50 g dm–3.

For this experiment, dilute hydrochloric acid with a concentration of 20 g dm–3 is required.

How much water must be added to 100 cm3 of 50 g dm–3 hydrochloric acid to make dilute hydrochloric acid with a concentration of 20 g dm–3?

Question 6, shown as an image
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(a)(iii)
(b)

Sodium iodide solution is colourless.

When a solution of bromine is added to sodium iodide solution, a reaction occurs.

Question 6, shown as an image
(b)(i)

The mixture turns brown.

Give the name of the substance causing the brown colour.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

Explain which substance has been reduced in this reaction.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(b)(ii)

Paper 1 June 2019 Higher tier, Question 8 11 marks

Pieces of zinc react with copper sulfate solution. Zinc sulfate solution is colourless.

Question 8, shown as an image
(a)

Describe what you would see when an excess of zinc is added to copper sulfate solution and the mixture left until the reaction is complete.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 8(a)
(b)

This reaction is described as a redox reaction.

Explain, in terms of electrons, which particles have been oxidised and which particles have been reduced in this reaction.

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 8(b)
(c)

The copper sulfate solution used has a concentration of 15.95 g dm−3.

Calculate the number of moles of copper sulfate, CuSO4, in 50.00 cm3 of this solution. (relative atomic masses: O = 16, S = 32, Cu = 63.5)

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 8(c)
(d)

In another experiment, 0.043 mol of copper sulfate, CuSO4, is used.

Calculate, to one decimal place, the minimum mass of zinc that must be added to react with all the copper sulfate. (relative atomic mass: Zn = 65)

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 8(d)

Paper 1 June 2018 Foundation tier, Question 7 12 marks

Also involves Electrolysis

7 *(a) Pure metals are often converted into more useful alloys. For example, aluminium is converted into an alloy used in aircraft, iron is converted into an alloy used in cutlery and gold alloys are used in jewellery. These processes of alloying change the structures of the metals.

Some properties of pure aluminium, iron and gold are shown in Figure 12.

in g cmdensity–3 malleability strengthrelative
aluminium2.70
easy to bend
low
iron7.75
easy to bend
low
gold19.3
easy to bend
low
Question 7, shown as an image

Explain how alloying changes these pure metals to make the alloys more suitable for the given uses.

(a)
[6]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(a)
(b)

Iron objects can corrode when exposed to the atmosphere.

(b)(i)

Corrosion involves the oxidation of iron.

State what is meant by oxidation.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

Painting iron objects prevents corrosion.

Explain why painting iron objects prevents corrosion.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(b)(ii)
(b)(iii)

Corrosion of iron objects can be prevented by painting them or by electroplating them.

State one other way of preventing the corrosion of iron objects.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(b)(iii)
(c)

The apparatus shown in Figure 13 was used to electroplate a spoon with nickel.

Figure for question 7
(c)(i)

State to what the anode and cathode have to be connected in order to carry out the electroplating.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(c)(i)
(c)(ii)

Predict the name of a substance that could be dissolved in water to form the electrolyte for this electroplating.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(c)(ii)

Paper 1 June 2018 Foundation tier, Question 9 13 marks

Most metals are extracted from ores found in the Earth’s crust.

The method used to extract a metal from its ore is linked to the reactivity of the metal.

Part of the reactivity series is shown in Figure 14.

Figure for question 9
(a)

Iron ore contains iron oxide.

Iron is extracted from iron oxide by heating the oxide with carbon.

iron carbon

Question 9, shown as an image
(a)(i)

In this reaction

Question 9, shown as an image
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(a)(i)
(a)(ii)

The formula of the iron oxide is Fe2O3.

Calculate the maximum mass of iron that can be obtained from 240 tonnes of iron oxide, Fe2O3.

(relative atomic masses: O = 16, Fe = 56)

mass of iron =........ tonnes

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(a)(ii)
(b)

Aluminium cannot be extracted by heating its oxide with carbon. Aluminium has to be extracted from its oxide by electrolysis.

Explain why.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(b)
(c)

Predict the method that will have to be used to extract calcium from its ore.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(c)
(d)

*(d) Aluminium is extracted from its ore by electrolysis. Iron is extracted from its ore by heating with carbon. Both metals can also be obtained by recycling.

Explain the advantages of recycling aluminium and iron rather than extracting them from their ores.

[6]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(d)

Paper 1 June 2018 Higher tier, Question 3 9 marks

Most metals are extracted from ores found in the Earth’s crust.

The method used to extract a metal from its ore is linked to the reactivity of the metal.

Part of the reactivity series is shown in Figure 2.

Figure for question 3
(a)

Iron ore contains iron oxide.

Iron is extracted from iron oxide by heating the oxide with carbon.

iron carbon

Question 3, shown as an image
(a)(i)

In this reaction

Question 3, shown as an image
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(a)(i)
(a)(ii)

The formula of the iron oxide is Fe2O3.

Calculate the maximum mass of iron that can be obtained from 240 tonnes of iron oxide, Fe2O3.

(relative atomic masses: O = 16, Fe = 56)

mass of iron =........ tonnes

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(a)(ii)
(b)

Aluminium cannot be extracted by heating its oxide with carbon. Aluminium has to be extracted from its oxide by electrolysis.

Explain why.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(b)
(c)

Predict the method that will have to be used to extract calcium from its ore.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(c)
(d)

In recent years, researchers have been investigating alternative methods of extracting metals from soils.

Researchers have found that growing certain plants in appropriate areas can result in the phytoextraction of copper.

Describe how growing plants can result in the phytoextraction of copper.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(d)

Paper 2 June 2018 Higher tier, Question 7 12 marks

Also involves Half equations at electrodes

(a)

Describe what is seen when chlorine water is added to potassium bromide solution and the mixture shaken.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(a)
(b)

Chlorine reacts with potassium bromide to form potassium chloride and bromine. In this reaction chlorine forms chloride ions

Question 7, shown as an image
(b)(i)

In this reaction, chlorine has been reduced.

Explain, using the equation, how you know that chlorine has been reduced.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

Write the half equation for the formation of bromine from bromide ions.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(b)(ii)
(c)

Aluminium reacts with chlorine to form aluminium chloride.

Write the balanced equation for this reaction.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(c)
(d)

A solid ionic compound is dissolved in water to form a solution.

Describe a simple experiment to show that charged particles are present in this solution.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(d)

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