Question

The colour of an electrolyte solution depends on
A. The nature of the anion
B. The nature of the cation
C. The nature of both the ions
D. The nature of the solvent

Answer 1

Hint: In physics and chemistry, an electrolyte is a substance that conducts electrical current as a result of splitting into positively and negatively charged ions, which typically move toward and discharge at the cathode and anode of an electric circuit, respectively. The colour of any compound depends on the interaction of light energy with electrons.

Complete step-by-step answer:When we dissolve an electrolyte in water to form an aqueous solution the colour of this aqueous solution depends on the respective ions of the electrolyte. These ions can be cations or anions. Cation means an ion having positive charge and anion means an ion having negative charge.
For example, if we have an aqueous solution of \[CuS{O_4}\] , we will see that it is blue in colour. This blue colour depends on the \[C{u^{2 + }}\] ion which impart blue colour in water.
The chromate and permanganate ions which are anions also impart colour in solution due to charge transfer from oxygen to metal ions.

Thus, the colour of an electrolyte depends on the nature of both the ions.

Option ‘C’ is correct

Note: The metal ions of transition elements are coloured due to electron excitation and de-excitation. The unpaired electrons and variable oxidation states of transition metals help in formation of coloured ions.