Question

Write a balanced equation for copper metal and aqueous sulfuric acid react to form a solid copper (II) sulfate, liquid water, and sulfur dioxide solid.

Answer 1

Cu (s) + 2H₂SO₄(aq) —> CuSO₄(s) + 2H₂O (l) + SO₂(s)

Step-by-step explanation:

Copper metal => Cu

Sulphuric acid => H₂SO₄

copper (II) sulfate => CuSO₄

Water => H₂O

sulfur dioxide => SO₂

The equation for the reaction between copper metal and aqueous sulfuric acid can be written as follow:

Cu + H₂SO₄ —> CuSO₄ + H₂O + SO₂

The above equation can be balance as follow:

Cu + H₂SO₄ —> CuSO₄ + H₂O + SO₂

There are 2 atoms of S on the right side and 1 atom on the left side. It can be balance by writing 2 before H₂SO₄ as shown below:

Cu + 2H₂SO₄ —> CuSO₄ + H₂O + SO₂

There are 4 atoms of H on the left side and 2 atoms on the right side. It can be balance by writing 2 before H₂O as shown below:

Cu + 2H₂SO₄ —> CuSO₄ + 2H₂O + SO₂

Thus, the equation is balanced.

Include the phase of each reactant and product, we have:

Cu (s) + 2H₂SO₄(aq) —> CuSO₄(s) + 2H₂O (l) + SO₂(s)