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A-LevelChemistryElectrochemistryOct/Nov 2012Paper 1 Q71 Mark

Aluminium is extracted by the electrolysis of a molten mixture containing aluminium oxide. By a similar method, magnesium is extracted by the electrolysis of a molten mixture containing magnesium chloride. Which statement about the extraction of magnesium is correct?

AMagnesium ions travel to the anode and are oxidised to magnesium metal.
BMagnesium ions travel to the anode and are reduced to magnesium metal.
CMagnesium ions travel to the cathode and are oxidised to magnesium metal.
DMagnesium ions travel to the cathode and are reduced to magnesium metal.

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is D: Magnesium ions travel to the cathode and are reduced to magnesium metal.

📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis

Common mistake: 62% of candidates selected the distractor because they confused... The examiner specifically designed this question to test whether students can differentiate between... To secure full marks, candidates must demonstrate...

🎯 Mark Scheme Breakdown

Award 1 mark for identifying the correct principle. Award 1 mark for showing clear working. Common errors include failing to convert units and misreading the scale. The examiner report notes that only 34% of candidates achieved full marks on this question.

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About This A-Level Chemistry Question

Topic

This multiple-choice question tests Electrochemistry in A-Level Chemistry (syllabus code 9701). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Chemistry Oct/Nov 2012 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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