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VCE Stuff => VCE Science => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Chemistry => Topic started by: dinosaur93 on November 10, 2012, 06:28:15 pm

Title: STAV Publication 009 Short Answer Q 4
Post by: dinosaur93 on November 10, 2012, 06:28:15 pm

How do you provide explanation for questions like this?

Title: Re: STAV Publication 009 Short Answer Q 4
Post by: dinosaur93 on November 11, 2012, 05:58:04 pm

anyone?

Title: Re: STAV Publication 009 Short Answer Q 4
Post by: Nobby on November 11, 2012, 06:09:36 pm

When the blocks are separated, H⁺ oxidises the nickel metal to Ni²⁺, causing H₂ gas to bubble of the surface. The copper block remains undisturbed as the acid is not a strong enough oxidant to liberate electrons from it.

When the blocks are joined, however, a galvanic cell of sorts is formed. The nickel metal (anode) is oxidised to nickel ions, and the electrons are transferred to the copper (cathode), where H⁺ ions are reduced to H₂ gas.