Which component in tap water is primarily responsible for allowing electrical current to pass from one electrode to the other?

• A. Dissolved oxygen gas
• B. Water molecules
• C. Dissolved ions
• D. Suspended particles

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that electrical current in water is carried by charged particles called ions, which can move freely and conduct electricity.
2. Recognize that pure water (H\_2O molecules) is a very poor conductor of electricity because it has very few ions present.
3. Identify that dissolved oxygen gas and suspended particles do not significantly contribute to electrical conductivity because they are either neutral molecules or solid particles that do not carry charge.
4. Know that dissolved ions, such as salts that dissociate into positive and negative ions in tap water, are the primary charge carriers enabling electrical current to flow between electrodes.
5. Conclude that the presence of dissolved ions in tap water is what allows electrical current to pass from one electrode to the other.