ConceptConceptDocsDocuments

CAIE IGCSE Chemistry: Cathode & Anode Products Question Bank

Practise deciding whether a metal or hydrogen forms at the cathode, using electrode labels and aqueous electrolysis diagrams.

Syllabus
2026–2028
Course
Chemistry 0620

Exam points

  • locate the cathode on a cell diagram and name hydrogen or the metal formed there
  • distinguish cathode products from anode products in aqueous chloride electrolysis

4.1.4—Metals or hydrogen are formed at the question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

Hydrogen can be manufactured from methane by steam reforming.

CH4( g)+H2O( g)⇌CO( g)+3H2( g)\mathrm{CH}_{4}(\mathrm{~g})+\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(\mathrm{~g}) \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{CO}(\mathrm{~g})+3 \mathrm{H}_{2}(\mathrm{~g})

The reaction is carried out using a nickel catalyst at temperatures between 700∘C700^{\circ} \mathrm{C} and 1100∘C1100^{\circ} \mathrm{C} and using a pressure of one atmosphere.

The forward reaction is endothermic.

Hydrogen can also be manufactured by electrolysis. The electrolyte is concentrated aqueous sodium chloride. The electrodes are inert.

The products of electrolysis are hydrogen, chlorine and sodium hydroxide.

Where is hydrogen produced in the electrolytic cell?

All question bank results loaded