Selina Textbook Solutions: Electrolytes, Non-Electrolytes and Electrolysis | Chemistry Class 10 ICSE PDF Download

 Page 1


Class X Chapter 6 – Electrolysis Chemistry 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
                       
INTEXT – QUESTION - 1  
 
Question 1:  
FILL IN THE BLANKS: 
(a) Powdered sodium chloride (common salt) does not conduct an electric current, but it does 
so when ………....... or when ………........ 
(b) Molten lead bromide conducts electricity .It is called an ………........ It is composed of 
lead ……….......and bromide ………........ The lead ions are ………....... charged and are 
called ………........ The bromide ……….......are ……….......charged and are 
called ………........ 
(c) Substances which conduct electricity in the solid state are generally ………........ 
(d) The electron releasing tendency of zinc is ………....... than that of copper. 
(e) A solution of HCl gas in water conducts electricity because ………......., but a solution 
of HCl gas in toluene does not conduct an electric current because ………....... 
Solution 1: 
(a) Powdered sodium chloride (common salt) does not conduct an electric current, but it does 
so when dissolved in water or when melted. 
(b) Molten lead bromide conducts electricity .It is called an electrolyte. It is composed of 
lead ions and bromide ions. The lead ions are positively charged and are called cations. 
The bromide ions are negatively charged and are called anions. 
(c) Substances which conduct electricity in the solid state are generally metals. 
(d) The electron releasing tendency of zinc is more than that of copper. 
(e) A solution of HCl gas in water conducts electricity because it ionizes, but a solution 
of HCl gas in toluene does not conduct an electric current because it does not ionize in 
toluene. 
 
 
Question 2: 
Define the following terms: 
(a) Electrolysis, 
(b) Non-electrolyte, 
(c) Cation and anion, 
(d) Weak electrolyte, 
Solution 2: 
(a) Electrolysis: It is the process of decomposition of a chemical compound in aqueous solutions 
or in molten state accompanied by a chemical change using direct electric current. 
(b) Non-electrolyte: It is a compound which neither in solution nor in the molten state allows an 
electric current to pass through it. 
(c) Cation and anion: Atoms which carry positive charge are called cations. 
 
Page 2


Class X Chapter 6 – Electrolysis Chemistry 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
                       
INTEXT – QUESTION - 1  
 
Question 1:  
FILL IN THE BLANKS: 
(a) Powdered sodium chloride (common salt) does not conduct an electric current, but it does 
so when ………....... or when ………........ 
(b) Molten lead bromide conducts electricity .It is called an ………........ It is composed of 
lead ……….......and bromide ………........ The lead ions are ………....... charged and are 
called ………........ The bromide ……….......are ……….......charged and are 
called ………........ 
(c) Substances which conduct electricity in the solid state are generally ………........ 
(d) The electron releasing tendency of zinc is ………....... than that of copper. 
(e) A solution of HCl gas in water conducts electricity because ………......., but a solution 
of HCl gas in toluene does not conduct an electric current because ………....... 
Solution 1: 
(a) Powdered sodium chloride (common salt) does not conduct an electric current, but it does 
so when dissolved in water or when melted. 
(b) Molten lead bromide conducts electricity .It is called an electrolyte. It is composed of 
lead ions and bromide ions. The lead ions are positively charged and are called cations. 
The bromide ions are negatively charged and are called anions. 
(c) Substances which conduct electricity in the solid state are generally metals. 
(d) The electron releasing tendency of zinc is more than that of copper. 
(e) A solution of HCl gas in water conducts electricity because it ionizes, but a solution 
of HCl gas in toluene does not conduct an electric current because it does not ionize in 
toluene. 
 
 
Question 2: 
Define the following terms: 
(a) Electrolysis, 
(b) Non-electrolyte, 
(c) Cation and anion, 
(d) Weak electrolyte, 
Solution 2: 
(a) Electrolysis: It is the process of decomposition of a chemical compound in aqueous solutions 
or in molten state accompanied by a chemical change using direct electric current. 
(b) Non-electrolyte: It is a compound which neither in solution nor in the molten state allows an 
electric current to pass through it. 
(c) Cation and anion: Atoms which carry positive charge are called cations. 
 
Class X Chapter 6 – Electrolysis Chemistry 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
Atoms which carry negative charge are called anions. 
(d) Weak electrolyte: Electrolytes which allow small amount of electricity to flow through them 
and are partially dissociated in fused or aqueous solution are called weak electrolyte. 
 
 
Question 3: 
What is the difference between: 
(a) Modern explanation and Arrhenius explanation for the theory of electrolysis: 
(b) electrolytic dissociation and ionization : 
(c) A cation and an anion, 
Solution 3: 
(a) Difference between Modern explanation and Arrhenius explanation for the theory of 
electrolysis: 
Arrhenius considered that water ionizes electrolytes but Modern theory explained that 
electrolytes are ionic even in solid state and their ions are held by strong electrostatic forces 
which make them immobile. Water renders these ions mobility by breaking the electrostatic 
forces. 
(b) Difference between electrolytic dissociation and ionization : 
 
Ionization Dissociation 
1. Formation of positively or negatively 
charged ions from molecules which are 
not initially in the ionic state. 
1. Separation of ions which are 
already present in an ionic 
compound. 
2. Polar covalent compounds show 
ionization. e.g. HCl, H2CO3, NH4OH 
etc. 
2. Electrovalent compounds show 
dissociation. e.g. Potassium 
chloride, lead bromide, etc. 
 
(c) A cation and anion: 
 
Cation Anion 
1. Are positively charged ions. Are negatively charged ions. 
2. Migrate to cathode during 
electrolysis. 
Migrate to anode during electrolysis. 
3. Gain electron from the cathode and 
get reduced to become a neutral 
atom. 
Lose electrons to the anode and get oxidized 
to become a neutral atom. 
 
(d) Electrolytic dissociation and thermal dissociation: 
Electrolytic dissociation is the dissociation of an electrovalent compound into ions in the 
fused state or in aqueous solution state. 
Page 3


Class X Chapter 6 – Electrolysis Chemistry 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
                       
INTEXT – QUESTION - 1  
 
Question 1:  
FILL IN THE BLANKS: 
(a) Powdered sodium chloride (common salt) does not conduct an electric current, but it does 
so when ………....... or when ………........ 
(b) Molten lead bromide conducts electricity .It is called an ………........ It is composed of 
lead ……….......and bromide ………........ The lead ions are ………....... charged and are 
called ………........ The bromide ……….......are ……….......charged and are 
called ………........ 
(c) Substances which conduct electricity in the solid state are generally ………........ 
(d) The electron releasing tendency of zinc is ………....... than that of copper. 
(e) A solution of HCl gas in water conducts electricity because ………......., but a solution 
of HCl gas in toluene does not conduct an electric current because ………....... 
Solution 1: 
(a) Powdered sodium chloride (common salt) does not conduct an electric current, but it does 
so when dissolved in water or when melted. 
(b) Molten lead bromide conducts electricity .It is called an electrolyte. It is composed of 
lead ions and bromide ions. The lead ions are positively charged and are called cations. 
The bromide ions are negatively charged and are called anions. 
(c) Substances which conduct electricity in the solid state are generally metals. 
(d) The electron releasing tendency of zinc is more than that of copper. 
(e) A solution of HCl gas in water conducts electricity because it ionizes, but a solution 
of HCl gas in toluene does not conduct an electric current because it does not ionize in 
toluene. 
 
 
Question 2: 
Define the following terms: 
(a) Electrolysis, 
(b) Non-electrolyte, 
(c) Cation and anion, 
(d) Weak electrolyte, 
Solution 2: 
(a) Electrolysis: It is the process of decomposition of a chemical compound in aqueous solutions 
or in molten state accompanied by a chemical change using direct electric current. 
(b) Non-electrolyte: It is a compound which neither in solution nor in the molten state allows an 
electric current to pass through it. 
(c) Cation and anion: Atoms which carry positive charge are called cations. 
 
Class X Chapter 6 – Electrolysis Chemistry 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
Atoms which carry negative charge are called anions. 
(d) Weak electrolyte: Electrolytes which allow small amount of electricity to flow through them 
and are partially dissociated in fused or aqueous solution are called weak electrolyte. 
 
 
Question 3: 
What is the difference between: 
(a) Modern explanation and Arrhenius explanation for the theory of electrolysis: 
(b) electrolytic dissociation and ionization : 
(c) A cation and an anion, 
Solution 3: 
(a) Difference between Modern explanation and Arrhenius explanation for the theory of 
electrolysis: 
Arrhenius considered that water ionizes electrolytes but Modern theory explained that 
electrolytes are ionic even in solid state and their ions are held by strong electrostatic forces 
which make them immobile. Water renders these ions mobility by breaking the electrostatic 
forces. 
(b) Difference between electrolytic dissociation and ionization : 
 
Ionization Dissociation 
1. Formation of positively or negatively 
charged ions from molecules which are 
not initially in the ionic state. 
1. Separation of ions which are 
already present in an ionic 
compound. 
2. Polar covalent compounds show 
ionization. e.g. HCl, H2CO3, NH4OH 
etc. 
2. Electrovalent compounds show 
dissociation. e.g. Potassium 
chloride, lead bromide, etc. 
 
(c) A cation and anion: 
 
Cation Anion 
1. Are positively charged ions. Are negatively charged ions. 
2. Migrate to cathode during 
electrolysis. 
Migrate to anode during electrolysis. 
3. Gain electron from the cathode and 
get reduced to become a neutral 
atom. 
Lose electrons to the anode and get oxidized 
to become a neutral atom. 
 
(d) Electrolytic dissociation and thermal dissociation: 
Electrolytic dissociation is the dissociation of an electrovalent compound into ions in the 
fused state or in aqueous solution state. 
Class X Chapter 6 – Electrolysis Chemistry 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
Thermal dissociation: Reversible breakdown of a chemical compound into simpler 
substances by heating it. The splitting of ammonium chloride into ammonia and hydrogen 
chloride is an example. On cooling, they recombine to form the salt. 
 
 
Question 4: 
Name: 
(a) a salt which is a weak electrolyte 
(b) a base which is a weak electrolyte, 
(c) an inert electrode and an active electrode, 
(d) a positively charges non-metallic ion, 
(e) the electrode at which reduction occurs, 
(f) a non-metallic element which is a conductor of electricity. 
Solution 4: 
(a) Sodium carbonate 
(b) NH4OH 
(c) An inert electrode: graphite and Active electrode: silver 
(d) H
+
 
(e) Electrode is cathode 
(f) Graphite 
 
 
Question 5: 
Electrolysis is a redox process. Explain. 
Solution 5: 
Electrolysis is a redox process. The reaction at the cathode involves reduction of cations as they 
gain of electrons while the reaction at anode involves oxidation of anions as they loss of electrons 
to become neutral. 
Example: Dissociation of sodium chloride during electrolysis. 
NaCl ? Na
+
 + Cl
-
 
Cathode : Na
+
 + e
-
 ? Na (reduction)    
Cl
-
 - e
-
 ? Cl(oxidation) 
Cl + Cl ? Cl2 
Overall reaction : 2NaCl ? 2Na + Cl2 
 
 
INTEXT – QUESTION – 2 
 
Question 1: 
Name two substances in each case: 
(a) Contain only molecules, 
(b) Contain only ions, 
(c) Contain ions as well as molecules. 
Page 4


Class X Chapter 6 – Electrolysis Chemistry 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
                       
INTEXT – QUESTION - 1  
 
Question 1:  
FILL IN THE BLANKS: 
(a) Powdered sodium chloride (common salt) does not conduct an electric current, but it does 
so when ………....... or when ………........ 
(b) Molten lead bromide conducts electricity .It is called an ………........ It is composed of 
lead ……….......and bromide ………........ The lead ions are ………....... charged and are 
called ………........ The bromide ……….......are ……….......charged and are 
called ………........ 
(c) Substances which conduct electricity in the solid state are generally ………........ 
(d) The electron releasing tendency of zinc is ………....... than that of copper. 
(e) A solution of HCl gas in water conducts electricity because ………......., but a solution 
of HCl gas in toluene does not conduct an electric current because ………....... 
Solution 1: 
(a) Powdered sodium chloride (common salt) does not conduct an electric current, but it does 
so when dissolved in water or when melted. 
(b) Molten lead bromide conducts electricity .It is called an electrolyte. It is composed of 
lead ions and bromide ions. The lead ions are positively charged and are called cations. 
The bromide ions are negatively charged and are called anions. 
(c) Substances which conduct electricity in the solid state are generally metals. 
(d) The electron releasing tendency of zinc is more than that of copper. 
(e) A solution of HCl gas in water conducts electricity because it ionizes, but a solution 
of HCl gas in toluene does not conduct an electric current because it does not ionize in 
toluene. 
 
 
Question 2: 
Define the following terms: 
(a) Electrolysis, 
(b) Non-electrolyte, 
(c) Cation and anion, 
(d) Weak electrolyte, 
Solution 2: 
(a) Electrolysis: It is the process of decomposition of a chemical compound in aqueous solutions 
or in molten state accompanied by a chemical change using direct electric current. 
(b) Non-electrolyte: It is a compound which neither in solution nor in the molten state allows an 
electric current to pass through it. 
(c) Cation and anion: Atoms which carry positive charge are called cations. 
 
Class X Chapter 6 – Electrolysis Chemistry 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
Atoms which carry negative charge are called anions. 
(d) Weak electrolyte: Electrolytes which allow small amount of electricity to flow through them 
and are partially dissociated in fused or aqueous solution are called weak electrolyte. 
 
 
Question 3: 
What is the difference between: 
(a) Modern explanation and Arrhenius explanation for the theory of electrolysis: 
(b) electrolytic dissociation and ionization : 
(c) A cation and an anion, 
Solution 3: 
(a) Difference between Modern explanation and Arrhenius explanation for the theory of 
electrolysis: 
Arrhenius considered that water ionizes electrolytes but Modern theory explained that 
electrolytes are ionic even in solid state and their ions are held by strong electrostatic forces 
which make them immobile. Water renders these ions mobility by breaking the electrostatic 
forces. 
(b) Difference between electrolytic dissociation and ionization : 
 
Ionization Dissociation 
1. Formation of positively or negatively 
charged ions from molecules which are 
not initially in the ionic state. 
1. Separation of ions which are 
already present in an ionic 
compound. 
2. Polar covalent compounds show 
ionization. e.g. HCl, H2CO3, NH4OH 
etc. 
2. Electrovalent compounds show 
dissociation. e.g. Potassium 
chloride, lead bromide, etc. 
 
(c) A cation and anion: 
 
Cation Anion 
1. Are positively charged ions. Are negatively charged ions. 
2. Migrate to cathode during 
electrolysis. 
Migrate to anode during electrolysis. 
3. Gain electron from the cathode and 
get reduced to become a neutral 
atom. 
Lose electrons to the anode and get oxidized 
to become a neutral atom. 
 
(d) Electrolytic dissociation and thermal dissociation: 
Electrolytic dissociation is the dissociation of an electrovalent compound into ions in the 
fused state or in aqueous solution state. 
Class X Chapter 6 – Electrolysis Chemistry 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
Thermal dissociation: Reversible breakdown of a chemical compound into simpler 
substances by heating it. The splitting of ammonium chloride into ammonia and hydrogen 
chloride is an example. On cooling, they recombine to form the salt. 
 
 
Question 4: 
Name: 
(a) a salt which is a weak electrolyte 
(b) a base which is a weak electrolyte, 
(c) an inert electrode and an active electrode, 
(d) a positively charges non-metallic ion, 
(e) the electrode at which reduction occurs, 
(f) a non-metallic element which is a conductor of electricity. 
Solution 4: 
(a) Sodium carbonate 
(b) NH4OH 
(c) An inert electrode: graphite and Active electrode: silver 
(d) H
+
 
(e) Electrode is cathode 
(f) Graphite 
 
 
Question 5: 
Electrolysis is a redox process. Explain. 
Solution 5: 
Electrolysis is a redox process. The reaction at the cathode involves reduction of cations as they 
gain of electrons while the reaction at anode involves oxidation of anions as they loss of electrons 
to become neutral. 
Example: Dissociation of sodium chloride during electrolysis. 
NaCl ? Na
+
 + Cl
-
 
Cathode : Na
+
 + e
-
 ? Na (reduction)    
Cl
-
 - e
-
 ? Cl(oxidation) 
Cl + Cl ? Cl2 
Overall reaction : 2NaCl ? 2Na + Cl2 
 
 
INTEXT – QUESTION – 2 
 
Question 1: 
Name two substances in each case: 
(a) Contain only molecules, 
(b) Contain only ions, 
(c) Contain ions as well as molecules. 
Class X Chapter 6 – Electrolysis Chemistry 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
Solution 1: 
(a) Glucose, Kerosene 
(b) NaCl and NaOH 
(c) CH3COOH and NH4OH 
 
 
Question 2: 
Explain the following: 
(a) A solution of cane sugar does not conduct electricity, but a solution of solution of sodium 
chloride is a good conductor, 
(b) Hydrochloric acid is a good conductor of electricity, 
(c) During the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of NaCI, hydrogen ion is reduced at the 
cathode and not the sodium ion though both Na
+
 and H
+
 ions are present in the solution. 
Solution 2: 
(a) Cane sugar is a compound which does not have ions even in solution and contains only 
molecules. Hence, it does not conduct electricity. On the other hand, sodium chloride 
solution contains free mobile ions and allows electric current to pass through it. This makes 
it a good conductor of electricity. 
(b) Hydrochloric acid is a strong electrolyte and dissociates completely in aqueous solution. The 
solution contains free mobile ions which allow electric current to pass through it. Hence, 
hydrochloric acid is a good conductor of electricity. 
(c) Hydrogen is placed lower in the electrochemical series and sodium is placed at a higher 
position. This is because H
+
 ions are discharged more easily at the cathode than Na
+
 during 
electrolysis and gains electrons more easily. 
Therefore, H
+
 ion is reduced at the cathode and not Na
+
 ion. 
 
 
Question 3: 
(a) Among Zn and Cu, which would occur more readily in nature as metal and which as ion? 
(b) Why cannot we store AgNO3 solution in copper vessel? 
(c) Out of Cu and Ag, which is more active? 
Solution 3: 
(a) Zn occurs readily as ion whereas Cu occurs more readily as metal in nature. 
(b) Copper is above silver in the electrochemical series and is thus more reactive than silver. 
So, copper displaces silver from silver nitrate. Hence, we cannot store AgNO3 solution in 
copper vessel. 
Cu + AgNO3 ? Cu(NO3)2 + 2Ag 
(c) Copper is more active than Ag. 
 
 
 
 
 
Page 5


Class X Chapter 6 – Electrolysis Chemistry 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
                       
INTEXT – QUESTION - 1  
 
Question 1:  
FILL IN THE BLANKS: 
(a) Powdered sodium chloride (common salt) does not conduct an electric current, but it does 
so when ………....... or when ………........ 
(b) Molten lead bromide conducts electricity .It is called an ………........ It is composed of 
lead ……….......and bromide ………........ The lead ions are ………....... charged and are 
called ………........ The bromide ……….......are ……….......charged and are 
called ………........ 
(c) Substances which conduct electricity in the solid state are generally ………........ 
(d) The electron releasing tendency of zinc is ………....... than that of copper. 
(e) A solution of HCl gas in water conducts electricity because ………......., but a solution 
of HCl gas in toluene does not conduct an electric current because ………....... 
Solution 1: 
(a) Powdered sodium chloride (common salt) does not conduct an electric current, but it does 
so when dissolved in water or when melted. 
(b) Molten lead bromide conducts electricity .It is called an electrolyte. It is composed of 
lead ions and bromide ions. The lead ions are positively charged and are called cations. 
The bromide ions are negatively charged and are called anions. 
(c) Substances which conduct electricity in the solid state are generally metals. 
(d) The electron releasing tendency of zinc is more than that of copper. 
(e) A solution of HCl gas in water conducts electricity because it ionizes, but a solution 
of HCl gas in toluene does not conduct an electric current because it does not ionize in 
toluene. 
 
 
Question 2: 
Define the following terms: 
(a) Electrolysis, 
(b) Non-electrolyte, 
(c) Cation and anion, 
(d) Weak electrolyte, 
Solution 2: 
(a) Electrolysis: It is the process of decomposition of a chemical compound in aqueous solutions 
or in molten state accompanied by a chemical change using direct electric current. 
(b) Non-electrolyte: It is a compound which neither in solution nor in the molten state allows an 
electric current to pass through it. 
(c) Cation and anion: Atoms which carry positive charge are called cations. 
 
Class X Chapter 6 – Electrolysis Chemistry 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
Atoms which carry negative charge are called anions. 
(d) Weak electrolyte: Electrolytes which allow small amount of electricity to flow through them 
and are partially dissociated in fused or aqueous solution are called weak electrolyte. 
 
 
Question 3: 
What is the difference between: 
(a) Modern explanation and Arrhenius explanation for the theory of electrolysis: 
(b) electrolytic dissociation and ionization : 
(c) A cation and an anion, 
Solution 3: 
(a) Difference between Modern explanation and Arrhenius explanation for the theory of 
electrolysis: 
Arrhenius considered that water ionizes electrolytes but Modern theory explained that 
electrolytes are ionic even in solid state and their ions are held by strong electrostatic forces 
which make them immobile. Water renders these ions mobility by breaking the electrostatic 
forces. 
(b) Difference between electrolytic dissociation and ionization : 
 
Ionization Dissociation 
1. Formation of positively or negatively 
charged ions from molecules which are 
not initially in the ionic state. 
1. Separation of ions which are 
already present in an ionic 
compound. 
2. Polar covalent compounds show 
ionization. e.g. HCl, H2CO3, NH4OH 
etc. 
2. Electrovalent compounds show 
dissociation. e.g. Potassium 
chloride, lead bromide, etc. 
 
(c) A cation and anion: 
 
Cation Anion 
1. Are positively charged ions. Are negatively charged ions. 
2. Migrate to cathode during 
electrolysis. 
Migrate to anode during electrolysis. 
3. Gain electron from the cathode and 
get reduced to become a neutral 
atom. 
Lose electrons to the anode and get oxidized 
to become a neutral atom. 
 
(d) Electrolytic dissociation and thermal dissociation: 
Electrolytic dissociation is the dissociation of an electrovalent compound into ions in the 
fused state or in aqueous solution state. 
Class X Chapter 6 – Electrolysis Chemistry 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
Thermal dissociation: Reversible breakdown of a chemical compound into simpler 
substances by heating it. The splitting of ammonium chloride into ammonia and hydrogen 
chloride is an example. On cooling, they recombine to form the salt. 
 
 
Question 4: 
Name: 
(a) a salt which is a weak electrolyte 
(b) a base which is a weak electrolyte, 
(c) an inert electrode and an active electrode, 
(d) a positively charges non-metallic ion, 
(e) the electrode at which reduction occurs, 
(f) a non-metallic element which is a conductor of electricity. 
Solution 4: 
(a) Sodium carbonate 
(b) NH4OH 
(c) An inert electrode: graphite and Active electrode: silver 
(d) H
+
 
(e) Electrode is cathode 
(f) Graphite 
 
 
Question 5: 
Electrolysis is a redox process. Explain. 
Solution 5: 
Electrolysis is a redox process. The reaction at the cathode involves reduction of cations as they 
gain of electrons while the reaction at anode involves oxidation of anions as they loss of electrons 
to become neutral. 
Example: Dissociation of sodium chloride during electrolysis. 
NaCl ? Na
+
 + Cl
-
 
Cathode : Na
+
 + e
-
 ? Na (reduction)    
Cl
-
 - e
-
 ? Cl(oxidation) 
Cl + Cl ? Cl2 
Overall reaction : 2NaCl ? 2Na + Cl2 
 
 
INTEXT – QUESTION – 2 
 
Question 1: 
Name two substances in each case: 
(a) Contain only molecules, 
(b) Contain only ions, 
(c) Contain ions as well as molecules. 
Class X Chapter 6 – Electrolysis Chemistry 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
Solution 1: 
(a) Glucose, Kerosene 
(b) NaCl and NaOH 
(c) CH3COOH and NH4OH 
 
 
Question 2: 
Explain the following: 
(a) A solution of cane sugar does not conduct electricity, but a solution of solution of sodium 
chloride is a good conductor, 
(b) Hydrochloric acid is a good conductor of electricity, 
(c) During the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of NaCI, hydrogen ion is reduced at the 
cathode and not the sodium ion though both Na
+
 and H
+
 ions are present in the solution. 
Solution 2: 
(a) Cane sugar is a compound which does not have ions even in solution and contains only 
molecules. Hence, it does not conduct electricity. On the other hand, sodium chloride 
solution contains free mobile ions and allows electric current to pass through it. This makes 
it a good conductor of electricity. 
(b) Hydrochloric acid is a strong electrolyte and dissociates completely in aqueous solution. The 
solution contains free mobile ions which allow electric current to pass through it. Hence, 
hydrochloric acid is a good conductor of electricity. 
(c) Hydrogen is placed lower in the electrochemical series and sodium is placed at a higher 
position. This is because H
+
 ions are discharged more easily at the cathode than Na
+
 during 
electrolysis and gains electrons more easily. 
Therefore, H
+
 ion is reduced at the cathode and not Na
+
 ion. 
 
 
Question 3: 
(a) Among Zn and Cu, which would occur more readily in nature as metal and which as ion? 
(b) Why cannot we store AgNO3 solution in copper vessel? 
(c) Out of Cu and Ag, which is more active? 
Solution 3: 
(a) Zn occurs readily as ion whereas Cu occurs more readily as metal in nature. 
(b) Copper is above silver in the electrochemical series and is thus more reactive than silver. 
So, copper displaces silver from silver nitrate. Hence, we cannot store AgNO3 solution in 
copper vessel. 
Cu + AgNO3 ? Cu(NO3)2 + 2Ag 
(c) Copper is more active than Ag. 
 
 
 
 
 
Class X Chapter 6 – Electrolysis Chemistry 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
Question 4: 
(a) How would you change a metal like Cu into its ions? 
(b) how would you change Cu
2+
 ion to Cu? 
Solution 4: 
(a) By treating its salt with a more reactive metal. 
(b) By supplying two electrons to Cu+2 
Cu
+2
 + 2e
-
 ?  Cu 
 
 
Question 5: 
A solution of caustic soda (NaOH) in water or when fused, conducts an electric current. What is 
the similarity in these two cases? 
Solution 5: 
In the aqueous state, the slightly negatively charged oxygen atoms of the polar water molecule 
exerts a pull on the positively charged sodium ions. A similar pull is exerted by the slightly 
charged hydrogen atoms of the water on the negatively charged chloride ions. Thus the ions 
become free in solution. These free ions conduct electricity. 
 
In the molten state, the high temperatures required to melt the solid weakens the bond between 
the particles and the ions are set free. 
 
 
Question 6: 
During electrolysis of an aqueous solution of sulphuric acid between platinum electrodes, two 
types of anions migrate towards the anode but only one of themis discharged: 
(a) Name the two anions, 
(b) Name the main product of the discharge of anion at the anode and write the anode reaction, 
(c) Name the product at the cathode and write the reaction. 
(d) How you notice any change in colour. State why? 
(e) Why this electrolysis, is considered as an example of catalysis? 
Solution 6: 
(a) Two anions are SO 
2-
4
  and OH
-
. 
(b) OH
-
 is discharged at anode and the main product of the discharge of OH
-
 is O2 
Reaction is : 
OH
-
 ? OH + e
-
 
4OH ? 2H2O + O2 
(c) The product formed at cathode is hydrogen. The reaction is : 
H
+
 + e
-
 ? H 
H + H ? H2 
(d) No change in colour is observed. 
(e) Dilute sulphuric acid catalyse the dissociation of water molecules into ions, hence 
electrolysis of acidified water is considered as an example of catalysis.