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CAIE IGCSE Chemistry Ionic Half-Equations at Electrodes

Practise constructing electrode half-equations by balancing atoms and charge, placing electrons on the reactant side for reduction and product side for oxidation.

Syllabus
2026–2028
Course
Chemistry 0620

Exam points

  • write electrons on the left when a cathode species gains them during reduction
  • write electrons on the right when an anode species loses them during oxidation
  • balance atoms and total charge and add state symbols when the question requests them

4.1.11—Construct ionic half-equations for question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

This question is about electricity and chemical reactions.

Aqueous copper(II) sulfate is an electrolyte.

The electrolysis of aqueous copper(II) sulfate using inert electrodes forms:
- copper at the cathode
- oxygen at the anode.

Write an ionic half-equation for the formation of copper at the cathode.

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