Which of the following compounds will conduct electricity when dissolved in water?

• A. CuSO_4
• B. C_6H_{12}O_6
• C. C_6H_6
• D. CH_4

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that electrical conductivity in aqueous solution depends on the presence of ions that can move freely and carry charge.
2. Identify which compounds are ionic and which are molecular. Ionic compounds dissociate into ions in water, while molecular compounds generally do not.
3. Recognize that CuSO_4 (copper(II) sulfate) is an ionic compound composed of Cu^{2+} and SO_4^{2-} ions, which dissociate in water to conduct electricity.
4. Note that C_6H_{12}O_6 (glucose), C_6H_6 (benzene), and CH_4 (methane) are molecular compounds that do not ionize in water and therefore do not conduct electricity.
5. Conclude that only CuSO_4 will conduct electricity when dissolved in water because it produces free ions in solution.