UPSC Prelims 2001·GS1·science-and-technology·science and technology

An aqueous solution of copper sulphate is acidic in nature because the salt undergoes

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  1. Adialysis
  2. Belectrolysis
  3. ChydrolysisCorrect
  4. Dphotolysis

Explanation

Copper sulphate is a salt derived from a strong acid, sulphuric acid, and a weak base, copper hydroxide. When dissolved in water, it undergoes hydrolysis, which is a chemical reaction with water. During this process, the copper ions react with water to release free hydrogen ions into the solution. Since the concentration of hydrogen ions increases, the solution becomes acidic. Dialysis is a separation process, electrolysis involves decomposition using electricity, and photolysis is decomposition by light, none of which explain the resulting pH of the solution. Therefore, hydrolysis is the correct reason.
science-and-technology: An aqueous solution of copper sulphate is acidic in nature because the salt undergoes

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