Which component in the reaction of copper sulfate with sodium hydroxide precipitates out as a solid?

The reaction between copper sulfate and sodium hydroxide leads to the formation of copper(II) hydroxide, which is a solid, in a process known as precipitation. In this reaction, copper(II) sulfate (CuSO4) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) react to produce copper(II) hydroxide (Cu(OH)2) and sodium sulfate (Na2SO4).

Copper(II) hydroxide is insoluble in water, which is why it precipitates out of the solution as a solid. The formation of this solid indicates that a chemical reaction has occurred, resulting in the combination of copper ions with hydroxide ions. The precipitate can often be observed as a blue solid or sludge forming at the bottom of the reaction vessel.

In this context, copper sulfate and sodium hydroxide are both soluble salts, meaning they remain dissolved in the solution. Sodium sulfate, while it is a product of the reaction, is also soluble in water and does not precipitate. Thus, the correct response highlights the formation of the solid component, which is copper(II) hydroxide.