To supply the missing products, identify the type of reaction, and balance the equation for the reaction between aluminum metal and cupric sulfate, we need to consider the chemical properties of the elements involved.
- Supplying the missing products: Aluminum metal (Al) is a reactive metal, while cupric sulfate (CuSO4) is an ionic compound. When aluminum reacts with cupric sulfate, a single displacement reaction takes place, where the more reactive metal (aluminum) displaces the less reactive metal (copper) from its compound. Therefore, the products of this reaction will be aluminum sulfate and copper metal.
The balanced equation is: 2 Al + 3 CuSO4 → Al2(SO4)3 + 3 Cu
Identifying the type of reaction: The reaction between aluminum metal and cupric sulfate is a single displacement reaction, also known as a redox reaction. In this case, aluminum is oxidized as it loses electrons to form aluminum ions, while copper is reduced as it gains electrons to form copper metal.
Balancing the equation: To balance the equation, we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
Balanced equation: 2 Al + 3 CuSO4 → Al2(SO4)3 + 3 Cu
In this balanced equation, there are two aluminum atoms, six oxygen atoms, two sulfur atoms, and three copper atoms on both sides of the equation, satisfying the principle of conservation of mass.