An electrolytic cell containing aqueous NiSO₄ is operated with a constant current of 2.00 A for 30.0 min. If 1.13 g of nickel metal is deposited on the cathode, what is the most likely oxidation state of the nickel ion originally present in solution? (Atomic mass: Ni = 58.7 g mol⁻¹; Faraday constant = 9.65 × 10⁴ C mol⁻¹)
a) +3
b) +1
c) +2
d) +4