Which of the following is added to make the copper sulphate solution m...
Sulphuric acid is added to the copper sulphate solution to make it more conducting.
Which of the following is added to make the copper sulphate solution m...
Understanding Conductivity in Solutions
When discussing the conductivity of a solution, it’s essential to understand that conductivity depends on the presence of ions in the solution. More ions typically mean better conductivity.
Why Add Sulphuric Acid?
Sulphuric acid (H2SO4) is a strong acid that dissociates completely in water, providing a significant number of hydrogen ions (H+) and sulfate ions (SO4^2-). This increase in ion concentration enhances the solution's ability to conduct electricity.
Comparison with Other Acids
- Hydrochloric Acid (HCl): While HCl is also a strong acid and would increase conductivity, it does not provide additional sulfate ions, which can further enhance the solution's properties.
- Nitric Acid (HNO3): Similar to HCl, nitric acid is a strong acid, but it introduces nitrate ions (NO3-) instead of sulfate ions, which may not be as effective in this specific context.
- Carbonic Acid (H2CO3): This is a weak acid that does not dissociate completely in solution, leading to fewer ions and, consequently, lower conductivity compared to strong acids.
Conclusion
Thus, the correct answer is option 'B' (Sulphuric acid), as it significantly increases the number of ions in the copper sulphate solution, enhancing its conductivity. This makes sulphuric acid the best choice among the options provided.