Grade 12 · Physical Sciences · Chemistry, Paper 2 · CAPS
Electrochemistry 1: Redox and Galvanic Cells – Grade 12 Physical Sciences (Chemistry, Paper 2)
What Galvanic 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
- 11
- Marks of practice
- 86
- Study time
- ≈ 4 h 20 min
What it covers
This topic starts with redox – electron transfer, oxidation numbers and half-reactions – and then the galvanic cell, which uses a spontaneous reaction to produce a current. You label the anode, cathode and salt bridge, write the cell notation, and read the reduction potential table to decide whether a reaction will happen on its own and to work out the cell's emf at 25 °C with 1 mol·dm⁻³ solutions.
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 (electrochemistry ≈ 25–30 marks in total; galvanic cells typically ≈ 12–16 marks, typically Question 8, plus 1–2 MCQs)
- Questions
- In a typical paper you will find it in Question 8 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
- Redox revision: oxidation numbers and half-reactions40 min
- Galvanic cell: components, electrodes and cell notation40 min
- Using the Table of Standard Reduction Potentials30 min
- The Zn–Cu cell, running flat and concentration effects35 min
Study time
| Notes and worked examples4 sections | 2 h 25 min |
|---|---|
| Exam-style questions11 questions · 86 marks × 1,2 min per mark | 1 h 45 min |
| Topic quiz | 10 min |
| Total | ≈ 4 h 20 min |
Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) is written on Monday 2 November 2026 at 09:00.
What you get in the portal
- 11 exam-style questions on Galvanic Cells (86 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 Galvanic Cells? Book a one-on-one lesson.
R250 per hour – 60, 90 or 120 minutes, online from anywhere in South Africa. Pick Galvanic Cells as your topic; you pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms.
Related Chemistry P2 topics
- Electrochemistry 2: Electrolytic Cells
- Quantitative Chemistry (Stoichiometry) Revision
- Organic Molecules: Structure and Naming
- Physical Properties of Organic Molecules
All Grade 12 Physical Sciences topics, weighting and study time
Questions about Galvanic Cells
How many marks is Galvanic Cells worth in the matric exam?
In Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) (3 hours, 150 marks) the usual weighting is: Chemical change ≈ 92/150 (electrochemistry ≈ 25–30 marks in total; galvanic cells typically ≈ 12–16 marks, typically Question 8, plus 1–2 MCQs). In a typical paper you will find it in Question 8 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 Galvanic Cells?
About 4 h 20 min: 2 h 25 min for the notes and worked examples in its 4 sections, 1 h 45 min for the 11 exam-style questions (86 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 Galvanic 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 Galvanic Cells as your topic. You pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms the booking.