Cu(NO₃)₂ (aq) + 2NaOH (aq) → Cu(OH)₂ (s) + 2NaNO₃ (aq)
Here's a breakdown of the reaction:
* Reactants:
* Copper nitrate (Cu(NO₃)₂) - a blue crystalline solid that dissolves in water to form a blue solution.
* Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) - a white solid that dissolves in water to form a strongly alkaline solution.
* Products:
* Copper(II) hydroxide (Cu(OH)₂) - a pale blue precipitate that forms in the reaction.
* Sodium nitrate (NaNO₃) - a colorless salt that remains dissolved in the solution.
Explanation of Balancing:
* Copper (Cu): One copper atom on each side.
* Nitrate (NO₃): Two nitrate groups on each side.
* Sodium (Na): Two sodium atoms on each side.
* Hydroxide (OH): Two hydroxide groups on each side.
This balanced equation represents the formation of a solid copper(II) hydroxide precipitate when solutions of copper nitrate and sodium hydroxide are mixed. The reaction is an example of a double displacement reaction.
