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  • Cu₂SO₄: Why This Compound Formula Is Incorrect & The Correct Formula
    The chemical formula Cu₂SO₄ is not a valid compound. Here's why:

    * 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.

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