Lesson 5.4.3.1

5.4.3.1 The process of electrolysis Quiz: AQA Combined Science, Unit 11

20 questions

Written by Revision Ninja · Last reviewed 11 October 2026

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Lesson 5.4.3.1, The process of electrolysis: 20 multiple choice questions for the AQA GCSE Combined Science (8464), Unit 11: Chemical changes, written with Revision Ninja.

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The 20 questions

  1. What is a liquid or solution that conducts electricity called?

    • Covalent liquid
    • Electrolyte
    • Non-electrolyte
    • Insulator

  2. Which ions move towards the cathode during electrolysis?

    • Positive ions
    • Electrons only
    • Neutral molecules
    • Negative ions

  3. Which electrode is the cathode?

    • The inert electrode
    • The negative electrode
    • The electrolyte
    • The positive electrode

  4. Which ions move towards the anode during electrolysis?

    • Negative ions
    • Metal ions only
    • Neutral atoms
    • Positive ions

  5. What is the name of the process in which ions are discharged at electrodes?

    • Crystallisation
    • Distillation
    • Electrolysis
    • Neutralisation

  6. What is formed when ions are discharged at the electrodes?

    • Acids
    • Compounds
    • Elements
    • Salts

  7. Which substances can undergo the process of electrolysis?

    • Solid ionic compounds
    • Molten ionic compounds
    • Solid metals
    • Covalent liquids

  8. Why does a solid ionic compound fail to conduct electricity?

    • Ions cannot move
    • Bonds are covalent
    • Ions lack charge
    • Electrons flow freely

  9. At the cathode, what happens to positive ions?

    • They lose protons
    • They lose electrons
    • They gain protons
    • They gain electrons

  10. What happens to negative ions when they reach the anode?

    • Lose electrons
    • Lose protons
    • Gain electrons
    • Gain protons

  11. What does a half equation represent during electrolysis?

    • Total electrolyte mass
    • Gas volume produced
    • Single electrode reaction
    • Overall cell voltage

  12. Which half equation shows the reaction at the cathode when copper sulfate solution is electrolysed?

    • Cu2+ + e- -> Cu
    • Cu -> Cu2+ + 2e-
    • 2O2- -> O2 + 4e-
    • Cu2+ + 2e- -> Cu

  13. What is the overall purpose of electrolysis?

    • Generate magnetic fields
    • Create ionic bonds
    • Purify pure water
    • Decompose ionic substances

  14. In an external circuit during electrolysis, which way do electrons flow?

    • Anode to cathode
    • Positive to negative
    • Negative to positive
    • Solution to wire

  15. Which electrode is also called the anode?

    • The terminal
    • The positive electrode
    • The electrolyte
    • The negative electrode

  16. Which feature must an electrolyte have to conduct electricity?

    • Mobile ions
    • Mobile electrons only
    • A solid metal structure
    • Neutral molecules only

  17. What happens when ions are discharged at the electrodes?

    • Absorb extra neutrons
    • Dissolve into solution
    • Form neutral elements
    • Form complex ions

  18. What allows ions to move in an ionic compound during electrolysis?

    • Freezing
    • Cooling
    • Melting
    • Dissolving

  19. A half equation 2Cl- -> Cl2 + 2e- occurs at which electrode?

    • Neither electrode
    • The electrolyte
    • The cathode
    • The anode

  20. How many moles of electrons are needed to deposit 0.5 mol of sodium from molten sodium chloride?

    • 0.5 mol of electrons
    • 1 mol of electrons
    • 0.25 mol of electrons
    • 2 mol of electrons

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