A solid deposit of element R is formed at the cathode when an aqueous solution containing ions of R is electrolysed. Which statement about element R is correct ?

Options

A. Element R is below hydrogen in the reactivity series.
B. R gains electrons to form ions at the cathode.
C. Element R forms negatively charged ions.
D. Ions of R losses electrons at the cathode.

Explanation

To determine which statement about element R is correct based on the information provided, let's analyze the situation step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Electrolysis**: In electrolysis, an electric current is passed through an electrolyte (in this case, an aqueous solution containing ions of element R). This process causes the ions to migrate towards the electrodes.

2. **Identifying the Electrodes**: In an electrolytic cell, the anode is positively charged and the cathode is negatively charged. Since element R is deposited at the cathode, it indicates that R is a positively charged ion (R⁺) in the solution.

3. **Movement of Ions**: The positively charged ions (R⁺) move towards the cathode because opposite charges attract. At the cathode, reduction occurs, meaning that the ions gain electrons.

4. **Reduction Reaction**: The reduction reaction can be represented as:
\[ R^+ + e^- \rightarrow R \]
Here, R⁺ gains an electron to become neutral solid R.

5. **Analyzing the Statements**:
- **Statement 1**: Element R is below hydrogen in the reactivity series.
- **Statement 2**: R gains electrons to form an ion at the cathode.
- **Statement 3**: Element R forms negatively charged ions.
- **Statement 4**: Ions of R lose electrons.

From our analysis:
- Statement 1 is likely correct because R is deposited at the cathode, indicating that it is less reactive than hydrogen (which is present in the solution as H⁺).
- Statement 2 is incorrect because R gains electrons to become a neutral atom, not to form an ion.
- Statement 3 is incorrect because R forms positively charged ions (R⁺), not negatively charged ions.
- Statement 4 is incorrect because the ions of R gain electrons, rather than lose them.

6. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the correct statement about element R is that "Element R is below hydrogen in the reactivity series."