Correct Option
The correct option isCopper ions and Sulphate ions
Explanation
The chemical effect of electric current, specifically the process of electrolysis. It tests the understanding of how ionic compounds (electrolytes) behave when dissolved in water and subjected to an electric potential.
Detailed Analysis
- Dissociation of Electrolytes: Copper sulphate ($CuSO_4$) is an ionic compound. When it is dissolved in water to form an aqueous solution, the electrostatic forces between the ions are weakened.
- Formation of Ions: The compound dissociates into free-moving charged particles:
- Copper ions ($Cu^{2+}$): Positively charged cations.
- Sulphate ions ($SO_4^{2-}$): Negatively charged anions.
- Role of Electric Current: While dissociation occurs upon dissolution, the passage of electric current directs the movement of these ions. The $Cu^{2+}$ ions move towards the negative electrode (cathode), and the $SO_4^{2-}$ ions move towards the positive electrode (anode).
- Incorrect Options:
- Copper and Sulphur atoms is incorrect because the compound breaks into ions, not neutral atoms, within the solution.
- Copper oxide and Sulphur dioxide is incorrect as it suggests the formation of oxides, which are not the primary products of dissociation.
- Copper and Oxygen molecules is incorrect because oxygen molecules are not formed by the dissociation of the salt itself (though oxygen gas may evolve at the anode due to the oxidation of water in some electrolytic setups).
Key Takeaway: When an electrolyte like copper sulphate dissolves in water, it dissociates into its constituent cations (positive ions) and anions (negative ions), which act as charge carriers for the conduction of electricity.