Question

The diagram shows a beaker containing a solution of zinc sulphate and two carbon electrodes. A battery is placed next to it. In order that the electrode P be plated with zinc,

• A. P must be connected to R and Q to S.
• B. P must be connected to Q and S to R.
  
• C. P must be connected to S and Q to R.
• D. P and Q must be connected to R.
  

Answer 1

The correct option is C P must be connected to S and Q to R.

Zinc sulphate is the salt, which breaks down into $Z{n}^{2+}$ and ${\mathrm{SO}}_4^{2-}$ ions. As $Z{n}^{2+}$ is a positive ion, it would be attracted towards cathode (negative terminal). In order to electroplate the the electrode P with Zinc, we need to connect it with negative terminal of the battery.
Therefore, P (cathode) must be connected to S (negative terminal of the battery) and Q (anode) to R (positive terminal of the battery).