Hello! What is the reactant for NaOH (aq) + CuSO4 (aq) and also for Al (s) + CuCl2 (aq)?

Question

I'm having trouble understanding our chemical reactions lesson at the moment. I've tried looking at other examples online but I can't comprehend them well. Any answers are appreciated. Thank you!

Answer 1

Do you really mean what is the reactant or are you asking what is the reaction? There's a big difference.

NaOH(aq) + CuSO₄(aq). The reactants are NaOH and CuSO₄.

The reaction is: 2 NaOH(aq) + CuSO₄(aq) ==> Na₂SO₄(aq) + Cu(OH)₂(s)

This is a double replacement/displacement reaction where a solid precipitate is formed. Read up on double replacement reactions

Al(s) + CuCl₂(aq). The reactants are Al and CuCl₂

The reaction is: 2Al(s) + 3CuCl₂(aq) ==> 3Cu(s) + 2AlCl₃(aq)

This is an oxidation/reduction reaction, or a single replacement/displacement reaction. Read up on this type of reaction.