When zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) reacts with potassium hydroxide (KOH), a double displacement reaction occurs, resulting in the formation of zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)₂) and potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄).

Here's the balanced chemical equation:

ZnSO₄(aq) + 2KOH(aq) → Zn(OH)₂(s) + K₂SO₄(aq)

Explanation:

* Zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) is a soluble ionic compound, meaning it dissolves in water to form zinc ions (Zn²⁺) and sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻).

* Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is also a soluble ionic compound, forming potassium ions (K⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in solution.

* When these two solutions are mixed, the zinc ions and hydroxide ions react to form zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)₂) which is insoluble in water and precipitates out of solution as a white solid.

* The remaining potassium ions and sulfate ions remain in solution as potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄), which is soluble in water.

Observations:

* You would observe the formation of a white precipitate (zinc hydroxide) as the reaction proceeds.

* The solution might become slightly cloudy due to the formation of the precipitate.

Note: The reaction is an example of a precipitation reaction, where an insoluble solid (precipitate) forms from the reaction of two soluble reactants.