Grade 12 Physical Sciences · Chemical Change

Describe a galvanic cell

Describe how a galvanic cell makes electricity, including electron flow, the salt bridge and cell notation (chemical energy changes to electrical energy).

past paper questions use it: 20 past paper questions use it
videos: 3 videos

Learn it: describe a galvanic cell

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

Galvanic Cell Electrochemistry: How the galvanic cell works | Grade 12 ChemistryMiss Martins Maths and Science

Galvanic Cell Electrochemistry: Cell notation for the galvanic cell | Grade 12 ChemistryMiss Martins Maths and Science

Electrochemistry Gr 12 : Galvanic cell practiceKevinmathscience

Now try it on a real exam question

No sign-up. Takes 3 minutes.

Question 8.3 · November 2025 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 3 marks

The diagram below represents a cell that operates initially under standard conditions. Diagram for this question

8.3 Write down the cell notation for this cell.(3)

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

More past paper questions: describe a galvanic cell

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

3. Question 8.5.3 · May/June 2025 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 3 marks
The simplified diagram below shows a cell that can be used to measure the standard electrode potential of the half-reaction represented by the equation below.

$Fe^{3 +} (aq) + e^{-} ⇌ Fe^{2 +} (aq)$
8.5 Write down the:
8.5.3 Cell notation for this cell(3)
Show the memo (3 ticks)Memo
1. ✓
  Anode half-cell $Pt(s) ∣ H_{2} (g) ∣ H^{+} (aq)$
  1 mark · Describe a galvanic cell
2. ✓
  Salt bridge $∥$
  1 mark · Describe a galvanic cell
3. ✓
  Cathode half-cell $Fe^{3 +} (aq), Fe^{2 +} (aq) ∣ Pt(s)$
  1 mark · Describe a galvanic cell
4. Question 1.9 · November 2024 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Each question has only ONE correct answer. Choose the answer and write only the letter (A–D) next to the question numbers (1.1 to 1.10) in the ANSWER BOOK, e.g. 1.11 E.
1.9 A standard galvanic cell is set up, as shown below.

Which ONE of the following combinations of the metal used as cathode and the electron flow direction is CORRECT?(2)
1. A Metal used as cathode: Cd; electron flow direction: Cd to Ag
2. B Metal used as cathode: Ag; electron flow direction: Cd to Ag
3. C Metal used as cathode: Cd; electron flow direction: Ag to Cd
4. D Metal used as cathode: Ag; electron flow direction: Ag to Cd
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Correct option $Ag^{+}$ ( $E^{θ} = + 0, 80$ V) is a stronger oxidising agent than $Cd^{2 +}$ ( $E^{θ} = - 0, 40$ V), so $Ag^{+}$ is reduced and Ag is the cathode. Cd is oxidised at the anode.
  Electrons are released at the anode and flow through the external circuit to the cathode: from Cd to Ag.
  
  Answer: B
  2 marks · Describe a galvanic cell
5. Question 8.3 · May/June 2024 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
The relationship between the concentration of the electrolyte and the cell potential is investigated using the following electrochemical cell represented by the cell notation:

Aℓ(s) | $A ℓ^{3 +}$ (aq) || $M^{2 +}$ (aq) | M(s)

The concentration of $M^{2 +}$ is changed and the corresponding emf is measured. The concentration of $A ℓ^{3 +}$ (aq) and the temperature are at standard conditions. The graph below shows the results of this investigation.
8.3 How will the concentration of $M^{2 +}$ (aq) be affected as the cell operates? Choose from INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME.

Give a reason for the answer.(2)
Show the memo (2 ticks)Memo
1. ✓
  Effect on [M $^{2 +}$ ]Decreases
  1 mark · Describe a galvanic cell
2. ✓
  Reason $M^{2 +}$ is reduced / $M^{2 +}$ used up / $M^{2 +}$ is the oxidising agent.
  1 mark · Describe a galvanic cell
6. Question 8.1 · May/June 2023 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 3 marks
Learners want to identify an unknown metal X using a standard half-cell, X| $X^{2 +}$ .

They set up an electrochemical cell under standard conditions using two half-cells, as shown in the diagram below.

The initial emf of this cell is $1, 20$ V.
8.1 State the standard conditions under which this cell functions.(3)
Show the memo (3 ticks)Memo
1. ✓
  PressurePressure: $1$ atmosphere / $101, 3$ kPa / $1, 01 \times 1 0^{5}$ Pa
  1 mark · Describe a galvanic cell
2. ✓
  TemperatureTemperature: $25$ °C / $298$ K
  1 mark · Describe a galvanic cell
3. ✓
  ConcentrationConcentration of electrolytes: $1$ mol·dm $^{- 3}$
  1 mark · Describe a galvanic cell

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.

The NavyBlue app showing a learner's weak skills