The balanced equation for the redox reaction between copper and sulfuric acid that forms copper(II) sulfate, sulfur dioxide, and water is:

Cu(s) + 2H₂SO₄(aq) → CuSO₄(aq) + SO₂(g) + 2H₂O(l)

In this reaction, copper metal (Cu) is oxidized from a neutral state to a +2 oxidation state in copper(II) sulfate (CuSO₄). Simultaneously, one of the sulfur atoms in sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is reduced from a +6 oxidation state to a +4 oxidation state in sulfur dioxide (SO₂). The other sulfur atom in sulfuric acid remains in the +6 oxidation state in copper(II) sulfate.