Copper sulfate has which chemical formula?

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Multiple Choice

Copper sulfate has which chemical formula?

Explanation:
Copper sulfate is formed from copper in the +2 oxidation state and the sulfate ion, SO4^2-. In salts, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge, so one Cu2+ balances one SO4^2-, giving the formula CuSO4. This reflects copper(II) sulfate, a common and stable salt. The other options refer to different anions or different stoichiometries: CuSO3 would use the sulfite ion SO3^2-, a different compound; Cu2SO4 would not balance charges correctly in a simple salt (two Cu2+ ions would require two sulfate ions, giving Cu2(SO4)2); CuS pairs Cu2+ with sulfide S2-, forming copper sulfide, not sulfate.

Copper sulfate is formed from copper in the +2 oxidation state and the sulfate ion, SO4^2-. In salts, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge, so one Cu2+ balances one SO4^2-, giving the formula CuSO4. This reflects copper(II) sulfate, a common and stable salt.

The other options refer to different anions or different stoichiometries: CuSO3 would use the sulfite ion SO3^2-, a different compound; Cu2SO4 would not balance charges correctly in a simple salt (two Cu2+ ions would require two sulfate ions, giving Cu2(SO4)2); CuS pairs Cu2+ with sulfide S2-, forming copper sulfide, not sulfate.

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