Question

When the formula equation CuSO₄(aq) + Fe(s) → Fe₂(SO₄)₃(aq) + Cu(s) is correctly balanced, the coefficient of CuSO4(aq) is ____________________.

a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4

Answer 1

When balancing the equation CuSO4(aq) + Fe(s) → Fe2(SO4)3(aq) + Cu(s), the correctly balanced equation has a coefficient of 3 for CuSO4(aq).

Step-by-step explanation:

When balancing the given chemical equation CuSO4(aq) + Fe(s) → Fe2(SO4)3(aq) + Cu(s), we need to ensure that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides. After balancing the equation, the coefficient of CuSO4(aq) is 3.

To achieve this balance, we must consider the iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) atoms, as well as the sulfate (SO42-) ions. The balanced equation will look like this: 3 CuSO4(aq) + 2 Fe(s) → Fe2(SO4)3(aq) + 3 Cu(s). Here, each side has the same number of copper, iron, and sulfate ions.