What is the symbol equation for the reaction of copper sulfate with sodium hydroxide?

The reaction of copper sulfate with sodium hydroxide is a classic example of a double displacement reaction, which can result in the formation of a precipitate. In this case, when copper sulfate (CuSO4) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), copper(II) hydroxide (Cu(OH)2) is formed as a solid precipitate.

The correct symbol equation shows that one formula unit of copper sulfate reacts with two formula units of sodium hydroxide. This balancing is necessary because each copper(II) ion from CuSO4 requires two hydroxide ions (OH-) to form the insoluble copper(II) hydroxide. The equation also produces sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), which is soluble in water.

Overall, the balanced equation is: CuSO4 + 2NaOH → Cu(OH)2 + Na2SO4

By using two sodium hydroxide molecules, the equation adheres to the principle of charge balance—ensuring that the total positive and negative charges are equal on both sides of the equation. This makes the equation not only accurate in terms of the substances involved but also balanced in terms of both mass and charge, reflecting a fundamental law of chemical reactions.