It's Elemental - Balancing Act!

Question

Balance this equation!
(Equation number 2 of 5)

Zn

+

CuSO4

→

ZnSO4

+

Cu

1

1

1

1

Answer 1

To balance the equation:

\[ \text{Zn} + \text{CuSO}_4 \rightarrow \text{ZnSO}_4 + \text{Cu} \]

we can follow these steps:

1. Identify the compounds and elements involved: Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), and Copper(II) sulfate (CuSO₄) along with Zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄).

2. Count the atoms of each element on both sides:

   • Reactants:
     • Zn: 1
     • Cu: 1
     • S: 1
     • O: 4
   • Products:
     • Zn: 1
     • Cu: 1
     • S: 1
     • O: 4

3. Balance the equation:

   • Both sides have:
     • 1 Zinc (Zn)
     • 1 Copper (Cu)
     • 1 Sulfur (S)
     • 4 Oxygens (O)

Since both sides are equal, the equation is already balanced.

The balanced equation is:

\[ \text{Zn} + \text{CuSO}_4 \rightarrow \text{ZnSO}_4 + \text{Cu} \]

This can be expressed with coefficients, but they all equal 1:

\[ 1 \text{Zn} + 1 \text{CuSO}_4 \rightarrow 1 \text{ZnSO}_4 + 1 \text{Cu} \]

Thus, the balanced version of your given reaction is correct as it stands!