IGCSE Practice

Cambridge IGCSE·Co-ordinated Sciences 0654·Chemistry Electrochemistry
📋Key knowledge — Electrochemistry

Key facts & rules

  • Electrolysis: uses electrical energy to decompose an ionic compound (in solution or molten).
  • Electrolyte: ionic compound that conducts electricity when dissolved or molten.
  • Cathode (−): positive ions (cations) are attracted here and GAIN electrons (reduction).
  • Anode (+): negative ions (anions) are attracted here and LOSE electrons (oxidation).
  • Electrolysis of brine (NaCl solution): cathode → hydrogen gas; anode → chlorine gas; NaOH remains.
  • Electrolysis of dilute H₂SO₄: cathode → hydrogen gas; anode → oxygen gas.
  • Electroplating: object to be plated = cathode; plating metal = anode; solution of plating metal ions = electrolyte.
  • Extraction of aluminium: Al₂O₃ dissolved in molten cryolite; cathode → Al; anode → O₂.

IGCSE Chemistry — Electrochemistry

1640 Cambridge IGCSE 0654 chemistry past paper questions on electrochemistry, organised by subtopic. Pick a subtopic to start practising.

About electrochemistry on IGCSE 0654

Electrolysis of molten and aqueous substances, the products at each electrode, and electroplating, plus simple cells.

Electrochemistry subtopics

Other Chemistry topics