The formula CuSO₄ represents copper(II) sulfate. To determine the number of atoms in the formula, we need to break it down:

* Cu: Copper, represented by one atom.

* S: Sulfur, represented by one atom.

* O₄: Oxygen, represented by four atoms (the subscript 4 indicates four oxygen atoms).

Therefore, there are a total of 1 + 1 + 4 = 6 atoms in the element CuSO₄.