When sodium phosphate (Na₃PO₄) is mixed with copper sulfate (CuSO₄), a double displacement reaction occurs, leading to the formation of a precipitate. Here's a breakdown of the reaction:

The Reaction:

3CuSO₄(aq) + 2Na₃PO₄(aq) → Cu₃(PO₄)₂(s) + 3Na₂SO₄(aq)

Explanation:

* Reactants:

* Sodium phosphate (Na₃PO₄): A soluble ionic compound.

* Copper sulfate (CuSO₄): A soluble ionic compound.

* Products:

* Copper phosphate (Cu₃(PO₄)₂): An insoluble ionic compound that forms a blue-green precipitate.

* Sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄): A soluble ionic compound that remains dissolved in the solution.

Observations:

* When sodium phosphate is added to copper sulfate solution, a blue-green precipitate forms, indicating the formation of copper phosphate.

* The solution may also become slightly cloudy due to the presence of the precipitate.

Key Concepts:

* Double displacement reaction: A type of chemical reaction where the positive and negative ions of two reactants switch places.

* Solubility: The ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent (usually water).

* Precipitate: An insoluble solid that forms during a chemical reaction and settles out of the solution.

Additional Notes:

* The reaction is a metathesis reaction because the cations and anions of the reactants exchange partners.

* The precipitate formation is a visual indicator of the reaction occurring.

* The reaction is often used in experiments to demonstrate double displacement reactions and precipitate formation.