0653.C4.1.04 — State that metals or hydrogen are formed at the cathode and that non-metals (other than hydrogen) are formed at the anode: past paper questions

Real questions on 0653.c4.1.04 — state that metals or hydrogen are formed at the cathode and that non-metals (other than hydrogen) are formed at the anode

The newest 5 of 5 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

1. 0653/33 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(i)[2]

   Identify the gas formed at each electrode. negative electrode (i)

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2. 0653/32 · February/March 2025 · Q6e[1]

   State the name of the negative electrode.

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3. 0653/33 · October/November 2024 · Q8a(ii)[2]

   State the name of the product formed at the: positive electrode

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4. 0653/42 · February/March 2023 · Q2c(ii)[2]

   Describe how lead is formed from lead( II ) chloride at the negative electrode. Use ideas about electrons in your answer.

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5. 0653/43 · May/June 2019 · Q5b(iii)[2]

   Describe how magnesium ions are changed into magnesium atoms during electrolysis.

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What examiners said

Candidates were not familiar with this experiment. Only a few candidates knew that oxygen was produced at the positive electrode and hydrogen at the negative electrode.

— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0653/33 Q5(b)(i) (Cambridge)

Most candidates stated the correct answer, cathode. Incorrect answers included anode and electrolyte.

— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 0653/32 Q6(e) (Cambridge)

This was answered very well by many candidates. Full credit was awarded to candidates who made the key points that lead ions gain electrons and so are discharged. Any wording which implied discharge was accepted. Candidates needed to avoid suggesting that lead chloride gained electrons. Some candidates gained full credit by stating the electrode equation.

— Examiner report, February/March 2023, 0653/42 Q2(c)(ii) (Cambridge)