Question

In two or more complete sentences explain how to balance the chemical equation and classify its reaction type __AL(s) ± CuSO4(aq)

Answer 1

Balanced equation

2 Al(s) + 3 CuSo4(aq) = 3 Cu(s) + Al2(SO4)3(aq)

Reaction type : single replacement

Further explanation

Given

Al(s) ± CuSO4(aq)

Required

Balanced equation

Reaction type

Solution

Reaction

Al(s) + CuSo4(aq) = Cu(s) + Al2(SO4)3(aq)

• Give a coefficient (the most complex compound=1)

aAl(s) + bCuSO4(aq) = cCu(s) + Al2(SO4)3(aq)

Al, left = a, right = 2⇒a=2

S, left = b, right = 3⇒b=3

Cu, left = b, right = c⇒c=b=3

The equation becomes :

2 Al(s) + 3 CuSo4(aq) = 3 Cu(s) + Al2(SO4)3(aq)

A single replacement reaction is a chemical reaction in which one element replaces the other elements of a compound to produce new elements and compounds  

Not all of these reactions can occur. We can use the activity series(voltaic series). In this reaction, Al more reactive than Cu, so the reaction can occur.

Answer 2

Answer:

2Al(s) + 3CuSO4(aq). --------> Al2(SO4)3(aq) + 3Cu(s)

This is a displacement reaction. Aluminum, being higher in the electrochemical series (higher electrode potential) displaces copper from its aqueous salt to give an aluminum salt and copper metal.

The equation is balanced with the formula of the products in mind. Since the products must be Al2(SO4)3 and 3Cu, then the stoichiometric coefficient of aluminum must be 2 on the reactant side and that of CuSO4 must be 3 on the reactants side.

This fulfils the general principle for balancing reaction equations which states that, the number of atoms of each element on the right hand side of the reaction equation, must be the same as the number of atoms of the same element on the left hand side of the reaction equation.

Explanation: