Differentiate between electrical conductivity of copper sulphate solution and copper metal.

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Solution

The difference between the electrical conductivity of copper sulphate solution and that of copper metal is as follows:

Electrical Conductivity of Copper Sulphate Solution Electrical Conductivity of Copper Metal

1. As copper sulphate solution is an electrolyte, the movement of free ions ( ${Cu}^{2+}$ and ${SO}_{4}^{2 -}$ ions) is responsible for electrical conductivity. As copper metal is solid, the movement of the free electrons is responsible for electrical conductivity.

2. The flow of current occurs in two streams, one by the cations ( ${Cu}^{2+}$ ions) towards cathode and another by the anions ( ${SO}_{4}^{2 -}$ ions) towards anode. The flow of current occurs in one stream, i.e., from negative to positive terminal.

3. Electric current passes only in aqueous or molten state. Electric current passes both in liquid and solid state.

4. Electrical conductivity causes chemical change with new products formed at the electrodes. Electrical conductivity causes no chemical change as no new products are formed.

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Similar questions

(a) Give reason: The electrolysis of acidulated water is considered to be an example of catalysis.

(b) During the electrolysis of copper [II] sulphate solution using platinum as cathode and carbon as anode

(i) State what you observe at the cathode and at the anode

(ii) State the change noticed in the electrolyte

(iii) Write the reactions at the cathode and at the anode.

A

B

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Electrical Conductivity of Copper Sulphate Solution	Electrical Conductivity of Copper Metal
1. As copper sulphate solution is an electrolyte, the movement of free ions ( ${Cu}^{2+}$ and ${SO}_{4}^{2 -}$ ions) is responsible for electrical conductivity.	As copper metal is solid, the movement of the free electrons is responsible for electrical conductivity.
2. The flow of current occurs in two streams, one by the cations ( ${Cu}^{2+}$ ions) towards cathode and another by the anions ( ${SO}_{4}^{2 -}$ ions) towards anode.	The flow of current occurs in one stream, i.e., from negative to positive terminal.
3. Electric current passes only in aqueous or molten state.	Electric current passes both in liquid and solid state.
4. Electrical conductivity causes chemical change with new products formed at the electrodes.	Electrical conductivity causes no chemical change as no new products are formed.