1. Reaction:
CuSO₄(aq) + 2KOH(aq) → Cu(OH)₂(s) + K₂SO₄(aq)
2. Explanation:
* Copper sulfate (CuSO₄) is a soluble ionic compound, meaning it dissolves in water to form copper(II) ions (Cu²⁺) and sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻).
* Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is also soluble, forming potassium ions (K⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in solution.
* When these solutions are mixed, the copper(II) ions (Cu²⁺) react with the hydroxide ions (OH⁻) to form copper(II) hydroxide (Cu(OH)₂) which is a blue-green solid. This solid is insoluble in water, so it precipitates out of the solution.
* The remaining ions, potassium (K⁺) and sulfate (SO₄²⁻), remain dissolved in the solution as potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄).
3. Observations:
* You will observe a blue-green precipitate forming in the solution.
* The solution will become slightly cloudy as the precipitate forms.
Important Note: This reaction is an example of a double displacement reaction. It's also a good example of how solubility rules can help predict what will happen in a reaction.
