Electrochemistry is the study of the relationship between chemical reactions and electrical energy.
NCERT Solutions Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 2 connect this chapter with galvanic cells, Nernst equation, conductance, electrolysis, batteries and corrosion.
NCERT Solutions Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 2 help students understand one of the most numerical chapters in Class 12 Chemistry. This chapter is important because many questions require correct formula selection, sign convention, unit conversion and step-by-step calculation. Students should focus on how oxidation and reduction occur in electrochemical cells, how cell potential changes with concentration, and how conductance values are used in numerical problems.
These NCERT Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 2 Exercise Solutions cover theory questions, formula-based questions and numerical problems from Electrochemistry. The solutions help students practise cell notation, standard electrode potential, Nernst equation, Gibbs energy, equilibrium constant, conductance of electrolytic solutions, Kohlrausch law, Faraday laws of electrolysis, batteries, fuel cells and corrosion in the order required for exam revision.
Key Takeaways
- Galvanic Cell: It converts chemical energy from a spontaneous redox reaction into electrical energy.
- Nernst Equation: It calculates cell potential when concentrations are not standard.
- Conductance: Conductivity decreases on dilution, while molar conductivity increases.
- Electrolysis: Faraday’s laws connect chemical change with charge passed through an electrolyte.
NCERT Solutions Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 2 Structure 2026
| Section |
Main Topic |
Question Focus |
| 2.1–2.3 |
Electrochemical cells and Nernst equation |
Cell notation, emf, Gibbs energy |
| 2.4 |
Conductance of electrolytic solutions |
Conductivity, molar conductivity, Kohlrausch law |
| 2.5–2.8 |
Electrolysis, batteries and corrosion |
Faraday laws, cells, fuel cells, rusting |
NCERT Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 2 Exercise Solutions
Electrochemistry questions usually combine equations, signs and units. The main formulas used are E°cell = E°cathode − E°anode, ΔᵣG° = −nFE°cell, and the Nernst equation.
Electrochemistry Class 12: Exercise Questions and Answers
Q1. Arrange Al, Cu, Fe, Mg and Zn in the order in which they can displace each other from salt solutions.
The displacement power follows reducing strength. Metals with more negative standard electrode potential are stronger reducing agents.
Standard reduction potentials:
Mg²⁺/Mg = −2.36 V
Al³⁺/Al = −1.66 V
Zn²⁺/Zn = −0.76 V
Fe²⁺/Fe = −0.44 V
Cu²⁺/Cu = +0.34 V
Higher reducing power means greater tendency to lose electrons.
Order:
Mg > Al > Zn > Fe > Cu
Answer:
The displacement order is:
Mg, Al, Zn, Fe, Cu
Standard Electrode Potential Class 12
Standard electrode potential helps compare oxidising and reducing strength. In the NCERT table, stronger reducing agents appear lower in the standard reduction potential series.
Q2. Arrange K, Ag, Hg, Mg and Cr in increasing order of reducing power.
Given standard reduction potentials:
K⁺/K = −2.93 V
Ag⁺/Ag = +0.80 V
Hg²⁺/Hg = +0.79 V
Mg²⁺/Mg = −2.36 V
Cr³⁺/Cr = −0.74 V
A more negative E° value means stronger reducing power.
Increasing order of reducing power:
Ag < Hg < Cr < Mg < K
Answer:
Ag < Hg < Cr < Mg < K
Electrochemical Cell Class 12
A galvanic cell has oxidation at the anode and reduction at the cathode. Electrons move from anode to cathode through the external circuit.
Q3. Depict the galvanic cell for the reaction Zn(s) + 2Ag⁺(aq) → Zn²⁺(aq) + 2Ag(s). Identify anode, cathode and carrier of current.
Oxidation occurs at zinc electrode:
Zn(s) → Zn²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻
Reduction occurs at silver electrode:
2Ag⁺(aq) + 2e⁻ → 2Ag(s)
Cell representation:
Zn(s) | Zn²⁺(aq) || Ag⁺(aq) | Ag(s)
Anode:
Zn electrode
Cathode:
Ag electrode
Electron flow:
From Zn to Ag
Current flow:
From Ag to Zn
Carrier of current in external circuit:
Electrons
Carrier of current in internal circuit:
Ions through the salt bridge
Answer:
Cell: Zn(s) | Zn²⁺(aq) || Ag⁺(aq) | Ag(s).
Zn is the anode, Ag is the cathode, and electrons carry current in the external circuit.
Galvanic Cell Class 12: Calculating Standard EMF
The standard cell potential is calculated using:
E°cell = E°cathode − E°anode
The chapter states that cell potential is the difference between the electrode potentials of cathode and anode.
Q4. Calculate E°cell for the reaction 2Cr(s) + 3Cd²⁺(aq) → 2Cr³⁺(aq) + 3Cd(s).
Given:
E°(Cr³⁺/Cr) = −0.74 V
E°(Cd²⁺/Cd) = −0.40 V
Here:
Cr is oxidised.
Cd²⁺ is reduced.
Cathode potential:
E°cathode = −0.40 V
Anode potential:
E°anode = −0.74 V
Use:
E°cell = E°cathode − E°anode
E°cell = −0.40 − (−0.74)
E°cell = +0.34 V
Answer:
E°cell = 0.34 V
Q5. Calculate E°cell for the reaction Fe²⁺(aq) + Ag⁺(aq) → Fe³⁺(aq) + Ag(s).
Given:
E°(Ag⁺/Ag) = +0.80 V
E°(Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺) = +0.77 V
Ag⁺ is reduced:
Ag⁺ + e⁻ → Ag
Fe²⁺ is oxidised:
Fe²⁺ → Fe³⁺ + e⁻
Cathode potential:
E°cathode = +0.80 V
Anode potential:
E°anode = +0.77 V
Use:
E°cell = E°cathode − E°anode
E°cell = 0.80 − 0.77
E°cell = 0.03 V
Answer:
E°cell = 0.03 V
Nernst Equation Class 12
The Nernst equation gives cell potential under non-standard concentration conditions. For a cell reaction, use:
Ecell = E°cell − (0.0591/n) log Q
The NCERT chapter gives the Nernst equation for Daniell cell and shows that Ecell depends on ion concentrations.
Q6. Write the Nernst equation for Mg(s) | Mg²⁺(0.001 M) || Cu²⁺(0.0001 M) | Cu(s).
Cell reaction:
Mg(s) + Cu²⁺(aq) → Mg²⁺(aq) + Cu(s)
Number of electrons:
n = 2
Reaction quotient:
Q = [Mg²⁺] / [Cu²⁺]
Nernst equation:
Ecell = E°cell − (0.0591/2) log([Mg²⁺]/[Cu²⁺])
Substitute concentrations:
Ecell = E°cell − (0.0591/2) log(0.001/0.0001)
Ecell = E°cell − (0.0591/2) log 10
Ecell = E°cell − 0.02955
Answer:
Ecell = E°cell − 0.02955 V
Q7. Calculate Ecell for Mg(s) + 2Ag⁺(0.0001 M) → Mg²⁺(0.130 M) + 2Ag(s), if E°cell = 3.17 V.
Given:
E°cell = 3.17 V
[Mg²⁺] = 0.130 M
[Ag⁺] = 0.0001 M
n = 2
Reaction quotient:
Q = [Mg²⁺] / [Ag⁺]²
Use:
Ecell = E°cell − (0.0591/2) log Q
Substitute:
Q = 0.130 / (0.0001)²
Q = 0.130 / 10⁻⁸
Q = 1.3 × 10⁷
Now:
Ecell = 3.17 − (0.0591/2) log(1.3 × 10⁷)
Ecell ≈ 3.17 − 0.21
Ecell ≈ 2.96 V
Answer:
Ecell = 2.96 V
Gibbs Energy and Equilibrium Constant in Electrochemistry
The relation ΔᵣG° = −nFE°cell connects electrochemistry with thermodynamics. The chapter also links E°cell with equilibrium constant.
Q8. Calculate ΔᵣG° for the Daniell cell reaction when E°cell = 1.10 V.
Reaction:
Zn(s) + Cu²⁺(aq) → Zn²⁺(aq) + Cu(s)
Given:
E°cell = 1.10 V
n = 2
F = 96487 C mol⁻¹
Use:
ΔᵣG° = −nFE°cell
Substitute:
ΔᵣG° = −2 × 96487 × 1.10
ΔᵣG° = −212271.4 J mol⁻¹
ΔᵣG° = −212.27 kJ mol⁻¹
Answer:
ΔᵣG° = −212.27 kJ mol⁻¹
Q9. Calculate the equilibrium constant for a cell reaction with E°cell = 0.46 V and n = 2.
Use:
E°cell = (0.0591/n) log Kc
Substitute:
0.46 = (0.0591/2) log Kc
log Kc = (0.46 × 2) / 0.0591
log Kc ≈ 15.57
So:
Kc = antilog 15.57
Kc ≈ 3.7 × 10¹⁵
Answer:
Kc ≈ 3.7 × 10¹⁵
Conductance of Electrolytic Solutions Class 12
Conductance is the inverse of resistance. Conductivity is the inverse of resistivity, and molar conductivity is conductivity divided by concentration.
Q10. Define resistivity, conductivity and molar conductivity.
Resistivity:
Resistivity is the resistance of a conductor of unit length and unit area of cross-section.
Formula:
R = ρl/A
Conductivity:
Conductivity is the inverse of resistivity.
Formula:
κ = 1/ρ
Molar conductivity:
Molar conductivity is the conductance of the volume of solution containing one mole of electrolyte.
Formula:
Λm = κ/c
Answer:
ρ measures resistance property of a material, κ measures conducting ability, and Λm measures conductivity per mole of electrolyte.
Q11. A conductivity cell has cell constant 1.29 cm⁻¹ and resistance 520 Ω. Calculate conductivity.
Given:
Cell constant = 1.29 cm⁻¹
Resistance = 520 Ω
Use:
κ = cell constant / resistance
κ = 1.29 / 520
κ = 0.00248 S cm⁻¹
Answer:
κ = 2.48 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹
Q12. Calculate molar conductivity of 0.02 mol L⁻¹ KCl if κ = 0.00248 S cm⁻¹.
Given:
κ = 0.00248 S cm⁻¹
Molarity = 0.02 mol L⁻¹
Use:
Λm = κ × 1000 / M
Substitute:
Λm = 0.00248 × 1000 / 0.02
Λm = 2.48 / 0.02
Λm = 124 S cm² mol⁻¹
Answer:
Λm = 124 S cm² mol⁻¹
Kohlrausch Law Class 12
Kohlrausch law states that the limiting molar conductivity of an electrolyte is the sum of individual ionic contributions. The chapter writes this as Λ°m = ν₊λ°₊ + ν₋λ°₋.
Q13. State Kohlrausch law and give one application.
Kohlrausch law:
At infinite dilution, each ion contributes independently to the molar conductivity of an electrolyte.
Formula:
Λ°m = ν₊λ°₊ + ν₋λ°₋
Application:
It is used to calculate limiting molar conductivity of weak electrolytes.
Example:
Λ°m(CH₃COOH) = Λ°m(CH₃COONa) + Λ°m(HCl) − Λ°m(NaCl)
Answer:
Kohlrausch law helps find Λ°m of weak electrolytes from strong electrolyte data.
Faraday Laws of Electrolysis Class 12
Faraday’s first law states that the amount of substance deposited or liberated is proportional to the charge passed. The chapter gives Faraday’s two laws under quantitative aspects of electrolysis.
Q14. How much charge is required to reduce 1 mole of Cu²⁺ to Cu?
Reduction reaction:
Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu
One mole of Cu²⁺ needs:
2 moles of electrons
Charge of 1 mole of electrons:
1F = 96487 C
So:
Charge = 2F
Charge = 2 × 96487 C
Charge = 192974 C
Answer:
192974 C of charge is required.
Q15. During electrolysis, 0.5 mol of electrons are passed through Ag⁺ solution. How many moles of Ag will be deposited?
Reduction reaction:
Ag⁺ + e⁻ → Ag
1 mole of electrons deposits 1 mole of Ag.
So:
0.5 mol electrons deposit 0.5 mol Ag.
Answer:
0.5 mol of Ag will be deposited.
Batteries and Fuel Cells Class 12
Batteries convert chemical energy into electrical energy. Fuel cells use continuous supply of reactants to produce electricity.
Q16. What is the difference between a primary battery and a secondary battery?
| Primary Battery |
Secondary Battery |
| Cannot be recharged easily |
Can be recharged |
| Reaction is not easily reversible |
Reaction is reversible |
| Used until reactants are consumed |
Used through repeated charge-discharge cycles |
| Example: dry cell |
Example: lead storage battery |
Answer:
Primary batteries are used once, while secondary batteries can be recharged and reused.
Q17. Why are fuel cells considered useful?
Fuel cells are useful because they directly convert chemical energy into electrical energy with high efficiency.
In a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell:
Hydrogen is oxidised.
Oxygen is reduced.
Water is formed as the product.
Fuel cells are also less polluting because water is the main product in a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell.
Answer:
Fuel cells are efficient and less polluting because they convert fuel energy directly into electricity.
Corrosion Class 12
Corrosion is an electrochemical process in which a metal is oxidised by air and moisture. The chapter describes rusting of iron as oxidation at one spot and reduction of oxygen at another spot on the metal surface.
Q18. Explain rusting of iron as an electrochemical process.
At the anodic spot:
Fe(s) → Fe²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻
The electrons move through the metal to another spot.
At the cathodic spot:
O₂(g) + 4H⁺(aq) + 4e⁻ → 2H₂O(l)
Ferrous ions are further oxidised to ferric ions.
Rust is hydrated ferric oxide:
Fe₂O₃·xH₂O
Answer:
Rusting occurs when iron is oxidised at anodic spots and oxygen is reduced at cathodic spots in the presence of water.
Q19. How can corrosion be prevented?
Corrosion can be prevented by separating the metal surface from air and moisture.
Methods:
Painting
Oiling or greasing
Galvanisation
Electroplating
Using corrosion-resistant alloys
Cathodic protection
Answer:
Corrosion is prevented by covering the metal surface or making it behave as a cathode.
Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 2 Solutions: Concepts Used in Electrochemistry
Electrochemistry questions become easier when students connect the signs of electrode potentials with oxidation and reduction. The most repeated tools are cell notation, E°cell, Nernst equation, conductance formulas and Faraday laws.
Electrochemical Cell Class 12
An electrochemical cell is a device in which a redox reaction is connected with electrical energy.
Types:
Galvanic cell
Electrolytic cell
Galvanic cell:
Chemical energy → Electrical energy
Electrolytic cell:
Electrical energy → Chemical change
Galvanic Cell Class 12
A galvanic cell works through a spontaneous redox reaction.
Key points:
Oxidation occurs at anode.
Reduction occurs at cathode.
Electrons flow from anode to cathode.
Salt bridge maintains electrical neutrality.
Nernst Equation Class 12
Copy-friendly formula:
Ecell = E°cell − (0.0591/n) log Q
Here:
n = number of electrons
Q = reaction quotient
At equilibrium:
Ecell = 0
So:
E°cell = (0.0591/n) log Kc
Standard Electrode Potential Class 12
Standard electrode potential is the potential of an electrode when all species have unit concentration and gases are at 1 bar pressure.
Useful relation:
E°cell = E°cathode − E°anode
Positive E°cell means the reaction is spontaneous under standard conditions.
Conductance of Electrolytic Solutions Class 12
Main formulas:
R = ρl/A
κ = 1/ρ
G = 1/R
κ = cell constant / R
Λm = κ/c
If κ is in S cm⁻¹:
Λm = κ × 1000 / molarity
Kohlrausch Law Class 12
Formula:
Λ°m = ν₊λ°₊ + ν₋λ°₋
It is used to find:
Λ°m of weak electrolytes
Degree of dissociation
Dissociation constant
Faraday Laws of Electrolysis Class 12
Charge passed:
Q = It
Moles of electrons:
mol e⁻ = Q/F
Here:
F = 96487 C mol⁻¹
Mass deposited:
m = ZIt
Quick Formula Table for NCERT Solutions Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 2
| Concept |
Copy-Friendly Formula |
Used In |
| Cell potential |
Ecell = Ecathode − Eanode |
Galvanic cells |
| Standard cell potential |
E°cell = E°cathode − E°anode |
Standard emf |
| Nernst equation |
Ecell = E°cell − (0.0591/n) log Q |
Non-standard cells |
| Gibbs energy |
ΔᵣG° = −nFE°cell |
Thermodynamics |
| Equilibrium constant |
E°cell = (0.0591/n) log Kc |
Equilibrium |
| Resistance |
R = ρl/A |
Conductance |
| Conductivity |
κ = 1/ρ |
Electrolytic solutions |
| Molar conductivity |
Λm = κ/c |
Conductance numericals |
| Kohlrausch law |
Λ°m = ν₊λ°₊ + ν₋λ°₋ |
Infinite dilution |
| Charge |
Q = It |
Electrolysis |
| Faraday relation |
mol e⁻ = Q/F |
Deposition problems |
Useful Links for Class 12 Chemistry NCERT Solutions