Grade 10 Physical Sciences · Chemical Change

Describe ions and reactions in solution

Explain how ionic solids dissolve in water and why the solution conducts electricity (NaCl(s) → Na⁺(aq) + Cl⁻(aq)).

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Dissolving and Hydration Grade 10Kevinmathscience
How To Write The Dissociation Equations of Ionic CompoundsThe Organic Chemistry Tutor
Identifying Strong Electrolytes, Weak Electrolytes, and Nonelectrolytes - Chemistry ExamplesThe Organic Chemistry Tutor
How to Identify Spectator Ions: Definitions, Examples, & PracticeWayne Breslyn (Dr. B.)

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Question 9.3 · November 2025 · Paper 2 · Provincial · 2 marks

A clean piece of aluminium metal strip is placed in a copper sulphate () solution. The reaction was observed again after 2 hours.

After 2 hours it was observed that the blue solution turned colourless and the shiny metallic aluminium turned brown.

The net ionic balanced equation for the reaction is given below:

Diagram for this question
9.3 Will the oxidation number of the sulphate ion INCREASE, DECREASE or REMAIN THE SAME during this reaction?

Give a reason for the answer.(2)

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  1. 3. Question 8.1.3 · November 2024 · Paper 2 · Provincial · 1 mark

    8.1 A solution of nickel (II) nitrate is placed in a zinc container. It was observed, after some time, that a chemical reaction has taken place. The net ionic equation is:

    8.1.3 Give a reason why the nitrate ion () is not written in the net ionic equation above.(1)
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    1. ✓
      Spectator ionNitrate ion () is a spectator ion / undergoes no changes in its oxidation state.

      1 mark · Describe ions and reactions in solution

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