1. Write the balanced molecular equation:
3CuSO₄(aq) + 2Na₃PO₄(aq) → Cu₃(PO₄)₂(s) + 3Na₂SO₄(aq)
2. Write the complete ionic equation:
This involves breaking down all soluble ionic compounds into their respective ions:
3Cu²⁺(aq) + 3SO₄²⁻(aq) + 6Na⁺(aq) + 2PO₄³⁻(aq) → Cu₃(PO₄)₂(s) + 6Na⁺(aq) + 3SO₄²⁻(aq)
3. Identify spectator ions:
Spectator ions are those that appear on both sides of the equation and do not participate in the reaction. In this case, the spectator ions are Na⁺ and SO₄²⁻.
4. Write the net ionic equation:
Remove the spectator ions from the complete ionic equation:
3Cu²⁺(aq) + 2PO₄³⁻(aq) → Cu₃(PO₄)₂(s)
Therefore, the net ionic equation for the reaction of copper(II) sulfate and sodium phosphate is:
3Cu²⁺(aq) + 2PO₄³⁻(aq) → Cu₃(PO₄)₂(s)