Copper II sulphate (CuSO4) is an ionic compound, not a covalent one. In an ionic compound, atoms are held together by the electrostatic attraction between positive and negative ions. In CuSO4, the copper atom loses two electrons, becoming a positively charged copper ion (Cu2+). The sulphate ion (SO42-) has a negative charge due to the presence of four oxygen atoms, each with a partial negative charge. The electrostatic attraction between the copper ions and the sulphate ions holds the compound together.

In a covalent compound, atoms are held together by the sharing of electrons. In CuSO4, there is no sharing of electrons between the copper and sulphate ions. The copper ions and sulphate ions are held together by the electrostatic attraction between their charges, not by the sharing of electrons.

Therefore, copper II sulphate is an ionic compound, not a covalent compound.