Question

What are the products of a single-displacement reaction when magnesium metal (`Mg`) reacts with copper sulfate (`CuS0_4`)?

Answer 1

`CuSO_4(aq) + Mg(s) -> MgSO_4(aq) + Cu(s)`

Explanation:

The ionic equation of this reaction shows the ions in this reaction dissociated in solution:

`Cu^(2+)(aq) + SO_4^(2-)(aq) + Mg(s)-> Mg^(2+)(aq) + SO_4^(2-)(aq) + Cu(s)`

The sulfate ion is a spectator ion - it does not react and remains in the aqueous phase during the reaction.

Copper is reduced into copper atoms which will precipitate out of solution. Magnesium is oxidised, and goes into the aqueous phase, effectively 'displacing' copper.