Question

The reaction below demonstrates which characteristic of a base?

CuSO4 (aq) + 2NaOH(aq) ---> Cu(OH)2(s)+Na2SO4(aq)
A) the ability of bases to release sodium ions into solution
B) the ability of bases to release hydrogen ions into solution
C) the ability of a base to react with carbonate or bicarbonate
D) the ability of a base to react with a soluble metal salt

Answer 1

Answer is D

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

Answer: option D. the ability of a base to react with a soluble metal salt.

Justification:

NaOH is a strong base, which means that in water it will dissociate according to this reaction:

• NaOH(aq) → Na⁺ (aq) + OH⁻ (aq)

On the other hand, CuSO₄ is a soluble ionic salt which in water will dissociate into its ions according to this other reaction:

• CuSO₄(aq) → Cu²⁺ + SO₄²⁻

Hence, in solution, the sodium ion (Na⁺) will react with the metal salt in a double replacement reaction, where the highly reactive sodium ion (Na⁺) will substitute the Cu²⁺ in the CuSO₄ to form the sodium sulfate salt, Na₂SO₄ (water soluble), and the copper(II) hydroxide, Cu(OH)₂ (insoluble).

That is what the given reaction represents:

CuSO₄ (aq) + 2NaOH(aq) → Cu(OH)₂(s) + Na₂SO₄(aq)

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soluble metal salt strong base insoluble base solube salt