Question

The equation below shows the reaction between element ‘X’ and dilute sulphuric acid.

\[\ce{X_{(s)} + H2SO4_{(aq)} -> XSO4_{(aq)} + H2_{(g)}}\]

Which particles are responsible for conducting electricity in dilute sulfuric acid and compound XSO₄?

Options

• Electrons

• Only positive ions

• Only negative ions

• Both positive and negative ions

Answer 1

Both positive and negative ions

Explanation:

Sulphuric acid dissociates in water to give H⁺ (or H₃O⁺) and \[\ce{HSO^-4}\] ions; the \[\ce{HSO^-4}\] ions further dissociate partially to form \[\ce{SO^{2-}4}\] ions. Similarly, X₂SO₄ dissociates into 2X⁺ and \[\ce{SO^{2-}4}\] ions. In both cases, the presence of mobile positive and negative ions enables the solution to conduct electricity.