Final answer:
When potassium permanganate is added to ferrous sulfate, a reduction-oxidation reaction occurs.
Step-by-step explanation:
When potassium permanganate is added to ferrous sulfate, it undergoes a reduction-oxidation reaction. The permanganate ion (MnO4-) is reduced to manganese(IV) oxide (MnO2), while the ferrous ion (Fe2+) is oxidized to ferric ion (Fe3+). This reaction can be represented by the following balanced equation:
2KMnO4(aq) + 10FeSO4(aq) + 8H2SO4(aq) → 5Fe2(SO4)3(aq) + K2SO4(aq) + 2MnSO4(aq) + 8H2O(l)