Answer:
Cu (s) + 2H₂SO₄(aq) —> CuSO₄(s) + 2H₂O (l) + SO₂(s)
Explanation:
Copper metal => Cu
Sulphuric acid => H₂SO₄
copper (II) sulfate => CuSO₄
Water => H₂O
sulfur dioxide => SO₂
The equation for the reaction between copper metal and aqueous sulfuric acid can be written as follow:
Cu + H₂SO₄ —> CuSO₄ + H₂O + SO₂
The above equation can be balance as follow:
Cu + H₂SO₄ —> CuSO₄ + H₂O + SO₂
There are 2 atoms of S on the right side and 1 atom on the left side. It can be balance by writing 2 before H₂SO₄ as shown below:
Cu + 2H₂SO₄ —> CuSO₄ + H₂O + SO₂
There are 4 atoms of H on the left side and 2 atoms on the right side. It can be balance by writing 2 before H₂O as shown below:
Cu + 2H₂SO₄ —> CuSO₄ + 2H₂O + SO₂
Thus, the equation is balanced.
Include the phase of each reactant and product, we have:
Cu (s) + 2H₂SO₄(aq) —> CuSO₄(s) + 2H₂O (l) + SO₂(s)
