* Copper (Cu) has multiple oxidation states: Copper can exist as Cu⁺ (copper(I) or cuprous) and Cu²⁺ (copper(II) or cupric).
* Sulfate (SO₄²⁻) has a fixed charge: The sulfate ion always carries a -2 charge.
To form a neutral compound, the charges of the cation (copper) and anion (sulfate) must balance.
The correct formula is CuSO₄, and its name is copper(II) sulfate.
Here's why:
* Cu²⁺: Copper with a +2 charge balances the -2 charge of the sulfate ion.
* SO₄²⁻: The sulfate ion remains unchanged.
Therefore, the correct formula for the compound with copper and sulfate is CuSO₄, and its name is copper(II) sulfate.