Final answer:
In the reaction between CaCl2 and Na2SO4, a double-replacement reaction occurs forming CaSO4 as a precipitate and 2NaCl in solution. The products are based on solubility rules that predict the formation of an insoluble compound, CaSO4.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reaction that will occur when CaCl2 is mixed with Na2SO4 is a double-replacement reaction. In this type of reaction, the cations and anions from two different compounds switch places to form two new compounds. The predicted products of this reaction are CaSO4 (calcium sulfate) and 2NaCl (sodium chloride). According to solubility rules, we expect calcium sulfate to form a precipitate (solid) because sulfates paired with calcium ions are known to be insoluble in most cases. On the other hand, sodium chloride is soluble, remaining in solution. To balance the reaction, the coefficients of the reactants and products need to be adjusted properly, maintaining the law of conservation of mass.