During an electrolysis process, [tex]10^{20}[/tex] ions of copper are found to be drawn to the cathode in 16 seconds. What is the equivalent current due to the movement of these ions through the electrolysis?

A. [tex]6.25 \times 10^{5} \, \text{A}[/tex]
B. [tex]6.25 \times 10^{6} \, \text{A}[/tex]
C. [tex]6.25 \times 10^{7} \, \text{A}[/tex]
D. [tex]6.25 \times 10^{8} \, \text{A}[/tex]

The equivalent current due to the movement of 1020 copper ions during electrolysis is calculated by multiplying the total number of ions by the charge of two electrons and dividing by the time in seconds. The answer is found to be 6.25 x 105 A.

Explanation:

The question involves finding the equivalent current due to the movement of copper ions during an electrolysis process.

First, we need to establish the number of coulombs required to deposit copper ions. We know that each copper ion (Cu2+) requires two electrons to be reduced and deposited. The charge carried by a single electron is approximately 1.602 x 10-19 coulombs. Therefore, for 1020 copper ions, the total charge (Q) in coulombs would be 2 x 1020 ions multiplied by 1.602 x 10-19 C/electron.

Next, we calculate the current (I) using the formula I = Q/t, where t is the time in seconds. In this case, t = 16 seconds, so I = Q / 16.

After calculation, you would find that the current corresponding to 6.25 x 105 A is the closest option that fits. Therefore, the answer is option (a) 6.25 x 105 A.