The correct option is (b).
Explanation
The passage of an electric current through a conducting liquid (electrolyte) induces chemical reactions. This phenomenon is known as the chemical effect of electric current. The observable effects of this process vary based on the experimental conditions.Statement 1 is Incorrect: Metal deposits are a primary manifestation of the chemical effect of electric current. A common application is electroplating, where a layer of metal (such as copper, gold, or chromium) is deposited on the negative electrode (cathode) when electricity is passed through a metal salt solution.
Statement 2 is Correct: The specific chemical reaction observed depends on the nature of the conducting solution (electrolyte) and the material of the electrodes used. For instance, using copper electrodes in a copper sulfate solution results in metal transfer, whereas using platinum electrodes in water results in gas evolution.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The production of gas bubbles is not the only outcome of chemical effects. While the electrolysis of water produces oxygen and hydrogen bubbles, other effects include the deposition of metal on electrodes or a change in the color of the solution. Therefore, gas production is not invariable.
Key Takeaway: The chemical effects of electric current manifest as the evolution of gas bubbles, the deposition of metal on electrodes, or changes in solution color, determined by the specific electrolyte and electrodes employed.