Grade 12 · Physical Sciences · Chemistry, Paper 2 · CAPS
Electrochemistry 2: Electrolytic Cells – Grade 12 Physical Sciences (Chemistry, Paper 2)
What Electrolytic Cells covers, how it is examined in Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry), the 4 sections to study and how long it takes – plus live online lessons when you get stuck.
- Study sections
- 4
- Exam-style questions
- 10
- Marks of practice
- 74
- Study time
- ≈ 3 h 40 min
What it covers
Electrolytic cells use an external power source to drive a reaction that would not happen on its own. You predict the products at each electrode and apply the ideas to industry: electroplating, refining impure copper, the chlor-alkali process that makes chlorine and sodium hydroxide, and how aluminium is won from its ore. Comparing electrolytic and galvanic cells is a regular part of the question.
How it is examined
- Paper
- Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) – Monday 2 November 2026, 09:00 (3 hours, 150 marks)
- Weighting
- Chemical change ≈ 92/150 (electrolytic cells and industrial electrolysis typically ≈ 10–14 marks, typically Question 9, plus 1–2 MCQs)
- Questions
- In a typical paper you will find it in Question 9 of Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry), with multiple-choice items in Question 1 as well.
Question numbers and mark splits are typical, not fixed – they vary a little from year to year.
Sections to study
- Electrolytic cells and the electrolysis of copper(II) chloride30 min
- Electrolysis of sodium chloride and the chlor-alkali industry30 min
- Electroplating and the electrorefining of copper30 min
- Extraction of aluminium and comparing the two cell types30 min
Study time
| Notes and worked examples4 sections | 2 h 00 min |
|---|---|
| Exam-style questions10 questions · 74 marks × 1,2 min per mark | 1 h 30 min |
| Topic quiz | 10 min |
| Total | ≈ 3 h 40 min |
Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) is written on Monday 2 November 2026 at 09:00.
What you get in the portal
- 10 exam-style questions on Electrolytic Cells (74 marks in total), each with a full marking memo
- Worked examples with diagrams and step-by-step calculations for each of the 4 sections
- Tutor notes added to sections and questions – for the whole class or just for you
- A topic quiz, mock papers and a study plan that counts down to Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry)
Notes, worked examples, questions and memos open once the tutor approves your account – usually with your first confirmed lesson.
Stuck on Electrolytic Cells? Book a one-on-one lesson.
R250 per hour – 60, 90 or 120 minutes, online from anywhere in South Africa. Pick Electrolytic Cells as your topic; you pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms.
Related Chemistry P2 topics
- Quantitative Chemistry (Stoichiometry) Revision
- Organic Molecules: Structure and Naming
- Physical Properties of Organic Molecules
- Organic Reactions
All Grade 12 Physical Sciences topics, weighting and study time
Questions about Electrolytic Cells
How many marks is Electrolytic Cells worth in the matric exam?
In Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) (3 hours, 150 marks) the usual weighting is: Chemical change ≈ 92/150 (electrolytic cells and industrial electrolysis typically ≈ 10–14 marks, typically Question 9, plus 1–2 MCQs). In a typical paper you will find it in Question 9 of Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry), with multiple-choice items in Question 1 as well. The exact marks change a little from year to year.
How long does it take to study Electrolytic Cells?
About 3 h 40 min: 2 h 00 min for the notes and worked examples in its 4 sections, 1 h 30 min for the 10 exam-style questions (74 marks) at exam pace of 1,2 minutes per mark, and a 10-minute quiz.
When is the Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) exam in 2026?
Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) is written on Monday 2 November 2026 at 09:00 and lasts 3 hours (150 marks), according to the DBE’s 2026 NSC timetable. Confirm the date with your school, because the DBE can amend the timetable.
Can I get online lessons for Electrolytic Cells?
Yes. Create a free account in the Adventuity portal, request a one-on-one online lesson of 60, 90 or 120 minutes (or a seat in a group class) and choose Electrolytic Cells as your topic. You pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms the booking.