Is CuSO4 acidic or basic?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether copper(II) sulfate (CuSO4) is considered acidic or basic. This involves understanding the properties of the compound when dissolved in water and its interaction with acids and bases.
Answer
Acidic
The aqueous solution of CuSO4 is acidic in nature.
Answer for screen readers
The aqueous solution of CuSO4 is acidic in nature.
More Information
Copper sulfate (CuSO4) is considered acidic because it is formed from a strong acid (sulfuric acid, H2SO4) and a weak base (copper hydroxide, Cu(OH)2). In water, it tends to produce a solution that has a pH less than 7.
Tips
A common mistake is to assume that all metal salts are neutral. In reality, the acidity or basicity depends on the strengths of the original acid and base that form the salt.