Grade 12 Physical Sciences · Chemical Change

Define redox and cell terms

Give the exact meaning of redox words like oxidation, reduction, oxidising agent, anode and cathode.

past paper questions use it
12 past paper questions use it
videos
3 videos

Learn it: define redox and cell terms

Pick one and watch it, then try the questions below. Videos load only when you tap play.

Redox reactions grade 11 Chemistry: Introduction and OverviewMiss Martins Maths and Science
Electrochemistry Introduction Galvanic vs Electrolytic Cell Grade 12 ChemistryMiss Martins Maths and Science
Oxidizing Agents and Reducing AgentsTyler DeWitt

Now try it on a real exam question

No sign-up. Takes 3 minutes.

Question 8.1 · November 2025 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks

The diagram below represents a cell that operates initially under standard conditions.Diagram for this question
8.1 Define the term electrolyte.(2)

Work it out on paper first. Then mark yourself with the official memo, one tick at a time.

More past paper questions: define redox and cell terms

Work each one out first, then open the memo and check every tick.

  1. 3. Question 9.2.1 · November 2024 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks

    9.2 The simplified diagram below represents an electrolytic cell. The electrodes are made of carbon.

    Answer the questions that follow.Diagram for question 9.2
    9.2.1 Define an electrolyte.(2)
    Show the memo (1 tick)
    1. ✓
      Definition of an electrolyteA substance of which the (aqueous) solution contains ions.

      2 marks · Define redox and cell terms

  2. 4. Question 9.1 · November 2023 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks

    An electrolytic cell is set up to purify a piece of copper that contains silver and zinc as impurities. A simplified diagram of the cell is shown below. Electrode R is impure copper.

    During this electrolysis, only copper and zinc are oxidised (see QUESTION 9.5).Diagram for this question
    9.1 Define the term electrolysis.(2)
    Show the memo (1 tick)
    1. ✓
      Definition of electrolysisThe chemical process in which electrical energy is converted to chemical energy.

      2 marks · Define redox and cell terms

  3. 5. Question 7.1.1 · May/June 2023 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks

    7.1 The conductivity of three acid solutions, A, B and C, as shown below is investigated at the same temperature.

    The brightness of the bulb in the apparatus shown below is used as a measure of the conductivity of the solutions.

    The acid solutions are electrolytes.

    Answer the questions that follow.Diagram for question 7.1Diagram for question 7.1
    7.1.1 Define the term electrolyte.(2)
    Show the memo (1 tick)
    1. ✓
      Definition of an electrolyteA substance whose aqueous solution contains ions.

      2 marks · Define redox and cell terms

  4. 6. Question 9.1 · May/June 2023 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks

    The simplified electrolytic cell below is used to electroplate a metal spring. Zinc nitrate, (aq), is used as an electrolyte and R is an electrode.Diagram for this question
    9.1 Define the term electrolytic cell.(2)
    Show the memo (1 tick)
    1. ✓
      Definition of an electrolytic cellA cell in which electrical energy is converted into chemical energy.

      2 marks · Define redox and cell terms

Free on Android

Know exactly which skill is costing you marks.

Mark past papers tick by tick in the NavyBlue app. It remembers every mark you lose, shows you the skills to fix first, and picks your next questions.

Get NavyBlue free on Google Play
The NavyBlue app showing a learner's weak skills